Dangote Cement rolls out multi-million-naira empowerment programmes in six Benue host communities

Dangote Cement Plc has flagged off three multi-million-naira empowerment programmes for farmers, women and youths in its six host communities in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.

Under the scheme, 150 women will receive cash grant to support their businesses; 52 farmers will be provided with agricultural inputs and 30 young people will undergo skill development training.

Dele Alake, minister of Solid Minerals Development commended Dangote Group for the new feat, and sustained investment in the development of its host community.

Represented by Usman Adijatu, the minister said the federal government was proud of significant social and economic contributions of Dangote Cement PLC in Benue State and across Nigeria, noting that the company’s community-focused intervention complements the government’s effort to promote inclusive growths, reduce poverty and create sustainable livelihoods in mining and industrial host communities.

Alake equally urged the beneficiaries to make prudent and productive use of the agricultural inputs, cash grants and vocational training opportunities provided by Dangote Cement, stressing that the support should serve as a springboard for long-term economic empowerment and self-reliance.

Wakeel Olayiwole, head of Social Performance, Pan-African Operation at Dangote Cement PLC, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to implementing Cooperate Social Responsibility programmes, development by the company, government and host communities under the Community Development Agreement (CDA) framework.

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He described the six host communities as peaceful and supportive, as he 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 selective process, noting that their diligence had helped ensure that the intervention reached deserving members of the communities.

The programme will benefit residents of Tse-Kucha, Quarry, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur and other communities in Benue State.

Abhilit Dutta, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, also said the initiative was part of the company’s efforts to improve livelihoods in communities where it operates, adding that the company sees its host communities as partners and believes business growth should go hand in hand with community development.

He said: “Our host communities are not just neighbours; they are valued partners in progress”.

Dutta said the programme was part of a five-year Community Development Agreement (CDA) that began in 2025 and is intended to ensure that all six communities benefit from the company’s social investment programmes, pointing out that the interventions were designed to promote self-reliance, reduce poverty and create sustainable economic opportunities.

He said: “The company will also launch a scholarship scheme for students from the host communities in the coming months.”

Dutta said the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, was committed to improving the welfare of communities hosting the Group’s operations, noting that more than 230 people benefitted from similar programmes last year and said the company plans to continue the initiative throughout the duration of the current CDA.

Dutta equally said several projects under the agreement were already in progress and that all outstanding projects were expected to be completed this year, as 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 that continued cooperation would help sustain development and shared prosperity in the area.

Johoson Kor, head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plc, pointed out that the company operates a broad range of community development and empowerment initiatives designed to enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of its host communities.

In his remarks, the paramount ruler of the Gboko communities, Gabriel Shosum, commended Dangote Cement for its sustained commitment to the welfare and development of his people, describing the company’s interventions as both impactful and commendable, just as he assured the company of the continued goodwill and cooperation of the host communities, noting that they would remain strong ambassadors of Dangote Cement.