The Dangote Cement Plc said it has tripled its scholarship fund for its host communities in Gboko, Benue State, awarding over ₦28 million.
The company’s Plant Director, Gboko Plant, Abhijit Dutta, who was represented by the Head of the Finance Department, Olusegun Orebanjo, said at the presentation of the cheque in Gboko.
“This year’s scholarship marks a significant increase from ten million naira to about thirty million naira,” Dutta said.
He noted that no fewer than 230 students were beneficiaries of the 2025 education scheme.
He said the scope of beneficiaries for this year has been expanded beyond the immediate host community of Mbayion to include other mining communities of Mbatur in Yandev district, the Mbazembe Community in Ipav district and the Pass Brothers community in Guma local government council.
“The sustainability of this scholarship scheme for indigent but deserving students reflects our deep-rooted passion for education and human capital development.”
Over ₦28m disbursed
The scholarship cheque was presented during a ceremony that also featured the graduation of beneficiaries of a youth skill acquisition programme sponsored by the Dangote Cement Plant, Gboko, and supervised by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
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According to him, “In further demonstration of this commitment, the scholarship fund has this year been reviewed upward to ₦28,800,000.00, and its scope expanded to cover all six host communities, strictly in line with the provisions of the Community Development Agreement (CDA).
This deliberate expansion reflects our desire to ensure equity, inclusiveness, and shared benefits across all our immediate communities.
“Dangote Cement Plc has consistently sustained this educational intervention over the years and will continue to do so, because we firmly believe that when our communities grow, our business thrives. Our CSR initiatives are therefore not one-off gestures but long-term social investments designed to create lasting impact.
“While congratulating the beneficiaries, we encourage that the scholarship fund be prudently and responsibly utilised for educational purposes. The scholarship process is transparently administered by a duly constituted committee set up by the Company to guarantee fairness and accountability across all beneficiary communities.
“Beyond scholarship, Dangote Cement Plc remains passionately committed to improving livelihoods and social welfare within our host communities. In collaboration with community leaders and other stakeholders, we continuously design and implement programmes that respond to real needs, in line with the CDA and our Corporate Social Responsibility policy,” Dutta said.
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He hinted that the Gboko Plant rolled out several people-centred development programmes, including a women’s empowerment programme for 150 beneficiaries, a farmers’ empowerment programme for 50 beneficiaries, and a youth empowerment programme for 30 youths, among other laudable programmes.
He noted the beneficiary communities to include Tse-Kucha, Quarry, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur, and Pass Brothers.
“Today’s ceremony also marks the successful completion of the Youth Empowerment Programme, with the passing-out of participants and the presentation of certificates and starter packs.
“These interventions are designed not only to provide skills but also to restore dignity, promote self-reliance, and stimulate sustainable livelihoods within the communities,” Dutta said.
Alex is a business journalist cum data enthusiast with the Pinnacle Daily. He can be reached via ealex@thepinnacleng.com, @ehime_alex on X
