Youths in Yewa axis of Ogun State have decried the operation of the Dangote cement plant in Ibese, Yewa North Local Government Area of the state, saying the company has caused more havoc to the host communities.

The group, under the name Yewa North Patriotic Forum, claimed that the company has contributed nothing meaningful to their community other than continuous degradation of the host communities.

According to the group, destruction of roads by operational vehicles of the cement company has remained a nightmare to the host communities, while alleging that the operation of the vehicles have put them into darkness by destruction of their supply polls.

These were contained in a letter addressed to the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

In the letter which was signed by both the president and general secretary of the group, Adeyemi Sunday and Fatolu Ganiyu, respectively, the group listed villages affected by the power outage to include Joga, Iboro, Igbogila, Eegua, Igan Alade, Ijoun, Imasayi, among others.

“The company has turned itself into a clog in the wheel of progress for residents, micro, small and medium-scale businesses struggling to survive amid worsening economic conditions which has further created an unfriendly operating environment.”

The group also lamented that Dangote has ignored an agreement reached with the community at inception.

“After enduring many life threatening activities of the Dangote cement, We hereby send our serious warnings to the management of Dangote Cement, Ibese, and all the necessary stakeholders to wake up from their slumbers and do what is adequately required from them under the law and in line with Community Development Agreements policy for a continued communal relationship and peaceful co-existence that will favour both parties.”

The forum however, demanded speedy repair and restoration of power in the affected areas; Empowerment programmes for youths; Provision of employment opportunities for graduates who are indigenes of the host communities; Reconstruction of damaged roads caused by Dangote Heavy Trucks.

“The operation of the company has consistently and persistently led to environmental degradation of the area, water, air, and land pollution, destruction of natural habitation, and waste disposal systems that are harmful to the health of our people.

“As projected and expected, our youth are not gainfully employed in the company, no tangible empowerment for our people and our roads are bad.”

When contacted, Media and Communications Relation of the plant, Francis Awowole Browne, promised to respond to the allegations.