By Muh'd Shafi'u Salehp Dangote Cement Plc has tripled its scholarship fund for students in its host communities in Gboko, Benue S...
By Muh'd Shafi'u Salehp
Dangote Cement Plc has tripled its scholarship fund for students in its host communities in Gboko, Benue State, expanding its educational support to reach more beneficiaries.
Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement’s Gboko Plant, Dr. Johnson Kor, said the company has broadened the initiative to accommodate a larger number of students this year.
Plant Director Engr. Abhijit Dutta, speaking at the presentation of a symbolic cheque in Gboko, stated: “This year’s scholarship marks a significant increase from ten million naira to about thirty million naira.” He was represented at the event by the Head of Finance, Olusegun Orebanjo.
According to Engr. Dutta, the 2025 education scheme now benefits no fewer than 230 students. The scope of beneficiaries has been expanded beyond the immediate host community of Mbayion to include other mining communities such as Mbatur in Yandev district, Mbazembe in Ipav district, and Pass Brothers community in Guma Local Government Area.
“The company does not consider host communities merely as neighbours, but as valued partners in progress,” Engr. Dutta said. “The sustainability of this scholarship scheme for indigent but deserving students reflects our deep-rooted passion for education and human capital development.”
The scholarship presentation coincided with the graduation of beneficiaries of a youth skill acquisition programme sponsored by Dangote Cement Gboko Plant and supervised by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
Engr. Dutta added: “This year, the scholarship fund has been reviewed upward to ₦28,800,000.00, covering all six host communities in line with the provisions of the Community Development Agreement (CDA). This deliberate expansion ensures equity, inclusiveness, and shared benefits across our immediate communities.”
He emphasised that Dangote Cement’s interventions are long-term social investments, designed to create sustainable impact rather than being one-off gestures. Beneficiaries were urged to use the scholarship prudently for educational purposes, while a company-appointed committee ensures transparency and accountability in the selection and administration of the funds.
Beyond scholarships, Dangote Cement remains committed to improving livelihoods in its host communities through programmes such as the Women Empowerment Programme (150 beneficiaries), Farmers’ Empowerment Programme (50 beneficiaries), and Youth Empowerment Programme (30 beneficiaries). Beneficiary communities for these initiatives include Tse-Kucha, Quarry, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur, and Pass Brothers.
The Youth Empowerment Programme also culminated in a graduation ceremony, where participants received certificates and starter packs, aimed at fostering self-reliance, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods.
Ter Gboko, Gabriel Shosum, represented by the Mue Ter Gboko, Ikpa Ahua, advised beneficiaries to put the bursary to good use. ITF representative Mrs. Sarah Adeniyi described Dangote Cement Plc as a “worthy partner in progress” for its consistent support of youth skill development.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, 16-year-old Gabriel Yo Hol, a student of Amua Memorial Grammar School, expressed gratitude to the company and promised to serve as an ambassador for Dangote Cement Plc.
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