Dangote Cement Plc has extended its scholarship scheme to 51 communities in Kogi State, Plant Director Azad Nawabuddin announced at an award ceremony in Obajana on Monday, according to a statement from the firm.
Although the Oworo communities are outside the company’s immediate catchment areas, they were included to broaden the scheme’s reach. Nawabuddin noted that Dangote Cement already runs scholarships for host communities in line with the Community Development Agreement and is also providing five boreholes to different communities to improve access to water.
“We remain committed to sustaining our Corporate Social Responsibility programme across the district,” he said.
The company’s General Manager of Social Performance, Ademola Adeyemi, explained that the first batch of 50 beneficiaries comprises 26 females and 24 males. He added that support will continue until graduation, provided beneficiaries sustain their academic performance.
Community leaders hailed the gesture. Alhaji Jibril Ibrahim, President of the Oworo Development Association, called it “a dream come true,” urging students to excel. Representing the state’s Ministry of Education, Acting Permanent Secretary Omolayo Bilkisu said the scheme reflects the government’s belief in public–private partnership.
Also, the Olu of Apata, Oba Federick Balogun, described education as the strongest foundation for development, while community leader Victoria Temitope thanked Dangote Group and encouraged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity.
