The Dangote Cement Plc has inaugurated three multi-million-Naira empowerment programmes for farmers, women and youths in its six host communities in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue.
The company, in a statement on Wednesday, announced the new round of support aimed at helping beneficiaries expand their businesses, improve agricultural productivity and acquire vocational skills.
The programme will benefit residents of Tse-Kucha, Quarry, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur and Pass Brothers communities.
Under the scheme, 150 women will receive cash grants to support their businesses, 52 farmers will be provided with agricultural inputs, and 30 young people will undergo skills development training.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, commended the Dangote Group for the new feat, and its sustained investments in the development of host communities.
Represented by Mrs Usman Adijatu, the minister said the Federal Government was proud of the social and economic contributions of Dangote Cement Plc in Benue and across Nigeria.
He noted that the company’s community-focused interventions complement the government’s efforts to promote inclusive growth, reduce poverty and create sustainable livelihoods in mining and industrial host communities.
Alake urged the beneficiaries to make prudent and productive use of the agricultural inputs, cash grants and vocational training opportunities provided by the Dangote Cement.
He stressed that the support should serve as a springboard for long-term economic empowerment and self-reliance.
Also speaking, the Head of Social Performance, Pan-African Operations, at Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Wakeel Olayiwola, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to implementing Corporate Social Responsibility programmes.
He said the programme was developed jointly by the company, government and host communities under the Community Development Agreement(CDA) framework.
He described the six host communities as peaceful and supportive, and urged them to sustain the harmonious relationship that has enabled the successful implementation of numerous development programmes.
Olayiwola also commended members of the CDA Consultative Committee for conducting a transparent and credible beneficiary selection process that ensured the interventions reached deserving members of the communities.
The Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant. Abhijit Dutta, said the initiative was part of the company’s efforts to improve livelihoods in host communities.
He said that the company saw its host communities as partners and believed business growth should go hand in hand with community development.
“Our host communities are not just neighbours; they are valued partners in progress,” he said.
Dutta said the programme was part of a five-year CDA that began in 2025 to ensure that all six communities benefit from the company’s social investment programmes.
He said the interventions were designed to promote self-reliance, reduce poverty and create sustainable economic opportunities.
According to him, the company will also launch a scholarship scheme for students from the host communities soon.
Dutta said the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, was committed to improving the welfare of host communities were the Group’s operates.
He noted that more than 230 people benefitted from similar programmes in 2025, adding that the company planned to continue the initiative throughout the duration of the current CDA.
Dutta also said that several projects under the agreement are already in progress and all outstanding projects are expected to be completed this year.
He urged beneficiaries to use the support responsibly, especially the women receiving cash grants, and to invest the funds in their businesses.
The company thanked community leaders, traditional rulers and youth groups for maintaining peaceful relations with the plant, saying continued cooperation would help sustain development and shared prosperity in the area.
The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plc, Dr Johnson Kor, said the company operated a broad range of community development and empowerment initiatives designed to enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of its host communities.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of the Gboko communities, Gabriel Shosum, praised Dangote Cement for its sustained commitment to the welfare and development of his people, describing the company’s interventions as impactful.
He assured the company of the continued goodwill and cooperation of the host communities, noting that they would remain strong ambassadors of Dangote Cement.
The royal father also urged community members to maintain peace and continue supporting the company so that they can benefit more from its social investment initiatives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that company would collaborate with the Industrial Training Fund to train the selected youths. (NAN)
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