Farmers’ Empowerment: Dangote Cement Boosts Food Security In Host Communities

Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant has reinforced its commitment to food security and Sustainable Community development with the roll-out of its 2026 annual farmers’ empowerment initiative, providing free agricultural inputs and capacity-building training to farmers drawn from its 17 host communities.

The programme, which has become a cornerstone of the company’s social investment strategy, saw beneficiaries receive modern farming inputs alongside technical training aimed at improving crop yield, productivity, and income across the agricultural value chain, with each of the 60 farmers receiving three bags of 50kg NPK fertiliser; two bags of Urea fertiliser, one Knapsack sprayer and 10 litres of Force-Up herbicide.

Speaking, the Plant director, Ayyagari Subbaraidu, emphasised that the programme was designed not only to support local farmers but to build a sustainable agricultural ecosystem within the company’s host communities.

He noted that the intervention aligns with Dangote Cement’s broader corporate social responsibility priorities, which include empowerment, education, health, and infrastructure development.

He said, “The programme was meant to provide Dangote Cement’s support to men and women whose labour sustains our food systems and contributes immensely to the well-being of our communities, and the society at large, therefore aligns with the yearnings of the government. Your presence, despite the public holiday, reflects your commitment to agricultural development and the prosperity of our communities.

Subbaraidu pointed out that “at Dangote Cement, we understand that while we manufacture cement for the construction of homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and other critical infrastructure, true development is ultimately about people.

It is about creating opportunities, improving livelihoods, and enabling communities to thrive. This philosophy remains at the heart of our operations and our relationship with our host communities.”

He said, “This marks the fifth consecutive edition of our Farmers Empowerment Programme at Ibese Plant. It represents five years of consistent engagement, meaningful investment, and a shared commitment to improving livelihoods across our host communities. The initiative has evolved into one of the most impactful interventions under our community development efforts.”

According to him, to date, 300 farmers across our host communities have benefited from training, farm inputs, and agricultural tools. Together, the beneficiaries have cultivated more than 800 acres of farmland and produced over 40,000 tons of agricultural output.

He further explained that the programme’s training component is critical to ensuring that beneficiaries maximise the value of the inputs provided.

Speaking on behalf of the communities, a representative described the programme as a ‘game changer’ that has not only boosted food production but also strengthened the relationship between the company and its host communities.

In their responses, programme beneficiaries expressed profound appreciation for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful, especially amid rising input costs and climate-related farming challenges.

One of the farmers, Mr Akanbi Moses from Aga-Olowo Community, noted that the provision of free inputs and training has significantly improved their productivity and income levels, enabling them to scale their farming activities.

Another beneficiary highlighted that the training sessions have enhanced their understanding of modern farming techniques, leading to better crop management and reduced post-harvest losses.

Also speaking, the chairman of Yewa North Local Government, who was represented at the event by Hon. Segun Ableto, lauded the initiative, describing it as a model of effective public-private partnership in driving rural development.

The representative commended Dangote Cement for complementing government efforts in boosting agricultural production and enhancing food security within the region.

Chairman, Communities Joint Consultative Committee, Comrade Dayo Ogunyinka expressed the appreciation of the people to the management of Dangote Cement for sustaining the initiative, which has become a major support system for farmers across our communities.

He said, “This programme has continued to improve the lives of our people. It has strengthened our farmers’ capacity and deepened the relationship between Dangote Cement and our communities.”

Industry observers noted that Dangote Cement’s farmers’ empowerment initiative has consistently contributed to stimulating local economies, creating opportunities for farmers, and strengthening food systems in host communities.

The programme forms part of Dangote Cement’s Community Development Agreement (CDA), which underscores its commitment to fostering socio-economic development and maintaining harmonious relationships with its host communities through targeted and impactful interventions.