Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, has expanded its community development initiatives in Jakura, Kogi State, with scholarship awards for students and empowerment support for farmers and market women.
The latest intervention, unveiled during a presentation ceremony on Monday, saw students from tertiary and secondary institutions receive educational grants, while farmers and market women were provided with financial and material support to boost their livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, the Plant Director, Obajana Plant, Engr. Azad Nawabuddin, said the initiative was part of the company’s commitment to fulfilling the provisions of its Community Development Agreement (CDA) with host communities.
Nawabuddin, who was represented by the Head of Social Performance at the plant, Prince Ademola Adeyemi, said the programme was designed to promote sustainable development, reduce poverty and strengthen economic opportunities within the community.
He disclosed that 20 students in tertiary institutions and 60 secondary school students benefited from educational grants worth several millions of naira.
According to him, 20 farmers also received farming implements and financial assistance aimed at improving agricultural productivity, encouraging the adoption of modern farming practices and contributing to food security.
Similarly, 20 market women received start-up capital and other forms of business support to strengthen their enterprises, improve financial independence and increase household income.
Nawabuddin said the interventions reflected Dangote Cement’s broader commitment to supporting the socio-economic development of communities hosting its operations.
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, youth and women groups, as well as members of the Jakura and Oworo traditional councils.
Among those present were the Obaro of Jakura, His Royal Highness, Oba Usman Adoga Ajibola; representative of the Olu of Oworo, Chief K.A. Mahmood, the Obalumema of Oworo Land; Engr. E.O. Olaitan of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; and Mrs A.O. Onimode of the Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources.
Earlier, Chairman of the Jakura CDA Committee, Chief Bonibade Ajiboye, commended Dangote Cement for fulfilling its commitments to the community.
Ajiboye said the company’s intervention extended beyond the latest empowerment programme, noting that the community’s electrification project was also nearing completion.
He commended the Obajana Plant for sustaining its support for Jakura despite the security challenges confronting the area.
The goodwill messages from members of the Jakura and Oworo traditional councils, as well as Federal and Kogi State government representatives, reflected appreciation for the company’s interventions.
In his remarks, the Obaro of Jakura, Oba Usman Adoga Ajibola, thanked God for blessing the community with abundant mineral resources and commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote for investing in the area.
The traditional ruler praised Dangote Cement for its various developmental projects in Jakura, describing the latest scholarship and empowerment scheme as another demonstration of the company’s commitment to improving the welfare of its host community.
Oba Ajibola pledged that the community would work to sustain the projects and ensure beneficiaries made productive use of the support provided.
He also prayed for continued blessings for Alhaji Aliko Dangote, commending his philanthropic activities and contributions to humanity.
