Transforming Badabdi Village: Ashaka Cement’s Impactful Intervention

For over a century, the residents of Badabdi village in Gombe State lived in darkness, forced to travel long distances for basic necessities like cold water and phone charging. However, in 2019, Ashaka Cement, a subsidiary of Lafarge Africa, brought light and hope to the community by connecting them to the national grid.

A New Era of Economic Opportunities

The introduction of electricity has revolutionized the lives of Badabdi villagers. Jibril Dauda, a 25-year-old welder, can now operate his business from the village, eliminating the need for daily commutes to Jalingo town. This shift has enabled him to:

Increase his earnings
Support his family
Employ three additional people

Similarly, Usman Jibir, a provision shop owner, no longer travels 20 kilometers to source ice blocks. With access to electricity, he can now sell ice blocks at a fraction of the previous cost, benefiting his customers and boosting his business.

Comprehensive Community Development

Ashaka Cement’s corporate social responsibility initiatives extend beyond electricity provision. The company has:

Constructed a palace for the village head
Established a dispensary clinic for healthcare services
Built classrooms for education
Developed access roads for easier transportation

Empowering Communities

Ashaka Cement’s commitment to community development is evident in its:

Electricity provision to Bulturi village
Relocation of Lariski village to a modern site with amenities
Annual investment of N150 million in host communities

These initiatives demonstrate the transformative power of corporate social responsibility in Nigerian communities.

Testimonials

Alhaji Abdullahi Aminu, village head, praised Ashaka Cement’s interventions, saying, “The company has brought light, life, and livelihood to our community. We are forever grateful.”

Jibril Dauda added, “Ashaka Cement’s electricity project has changed my life. I can now provide for my family and create jobs for others.”