Dangote Cement Invests N32m In Education, Power Infrastructure In Host Communities

Dangote Cement Plc, Okpella Plant has invested over N32 million in education and power infrastructure in its host communities in Edo State, under its Community Development Agreement (CDA).

The investment covers scholarships for 80 students and the commissioning of four 500 KVA transformers to improve electricity supply, enhance living standards, and stimulate economic activity.

The scholarship award ceremony and transformer commissioning attracted traditional leaders, community representatives, youth groups, students, parents, government officials and senior officials of Dangote Cement.

A total of 80 students benefited from the scholarship programme, comprising 60 undergraduate students from various tertiary institutions across Nigeria and 20 secondary school students drawn from the company’s host communities.

Each undergraduate beneficiary received N500,000, while each secondary school student was awarded N100,000 to support their educational pursuits.

Speaking at the event, social performance manager of Dangote Cement, Okpella Plant, Mr. Daniel Obamina, said the intervention was part of the company’s deliberate effort to invest in human capital development and create sustainable opportunities for young people.

“Dangote Cement believes that education is a powerful catalyst for development. Through this scholarship programme, we are investing in the future of our young people and providing support that will enable them to pursue their academic ambitions without undue financial challenges,” Obamina said.

He noted that education remains one of the most effective tools for social transformation, adding that the scholarship forms a key component of the CDA.

On the power intervention, Obamina said, “access to reliable electricity is essential for socio-economic development. These transformers will help improve power distribution, support businesses, enhance learning environments and generally improve the quality of life for residents.”

Chairman of the Executive Committee of Host Communities (ECHC), High Chief Peter Afiabor, commended the company for consistently honouring its commitments, saying that “today’s event is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through constructive engagement and partnership between a company and its host communities.

“The scholarships will provide financial relief to families and encourage educational excellence, while the transformers will address critical electricity needs.”

Afiabor urged beneficiaries to become worthy ambassadors of their communities.

The beneficiaries and parents expressed appreciation to the company, describing the support as timely given rising educational costs.