Dangote cement triples scholarship fund, empowering over 230 students in Benue host communities

By Johnson Arua

Dangote Cement Plc has boosted its commitment to education by tripling its scholarship fund for students in its host communities in Gboko, Benue State.

Dr. Johnson Kor, Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement’s Gboko Plant, revealed that the company has broadened its intervention to accommodate a larger number of beneficiaries.

At the symbolic cheque presentation ceremony, Plant Director Engr. Abhijit Dutta stated, “This year’s scholarship marks a significant increase from ten million Naira to about thirty million Naira.”

Represented by Head of Finance, Olusegun Orebanjo, he added that no fewer than 230 students will benefit from the 2025 education scheme.

Engr. Dutta emphasized the company’s commitment to its communities, saying:
“We do not consider host communities merely as neighbours, but as valued partners in progress.

The sustainability of this scholarship scheme for indigent but deserving students reflects our deep-rooted passion for education and human capital development.”

This year, the scholarship programme has been expanded beyond the immediate host community of Mbayion to include Mbatur in Yandev district, Mbazembe in Ipav district, and Pass Brothers in Guma Local Government Area, ensuring wider access in line with the Community Development Agreement (CDA).

The scholarship fund, now ₦28.8 million, was presented during a ceremony that also marked the graduation of beneficiaries of the Youth Skill Acquisition Programme, sponsored by Dangote Cement and supervised by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

Engr. Dutta further explained: “Dangote Cement Plc has consistently sustained this educational intervention over the years and will continue to do so. We firmly believe that when our communities grow, our business thrives. Our CSR initiatives are long-term social investments designed to create lasting impact.”

The company’s 2025 community development efforts also included:
Women Empowerment Programme – 150 beneficiaries

Farmers’ Empowerment Programme – 50 beneficiaries

Youth Empowerment Programme – 30 beneficiaries

The beneficiary communities for these initiatives include Tse-Kucha, Quarry, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur, and Pass Brothers.

During the event, Ter Gboko, Gabriel Shosum, urged beneficiaries to use the bursary wisely, while ITF representative Mrs. Sarah Adeniyi described Dangote Cement as “a worthy partner in progress, considering its support for youth skill development.”

A 16-year-old scholarship recipient, Gabriel Yo Hol, expressed gratitude, saying:
“I thank Dangote Cement Plc for this scholarship and promise to be an Ambassador of the company.”

The ceremony underscored Dangote Cement’s continued commitment to education, skill development, and sustainable community growth, reinforcing its role as a key driver of social progress in Benue State.