Eighty students from the host communities of Dangote Cement Plc’s Okpella Plant in Edo State will now have their education supported by the company, which also switched on four new 500KVA transformers to improve electricity supply in the area.
The scholarship award and transformer commissioning, held recently, were carried out under the company’s Community Development Agreement (CDA) with its host communities.
The company, in a statement on Monday, said the event drew traditional leaders, community representatives, youth groups, students, parents, government officials and senior officials of Dangote Cement.
The education intervention, valued at over ₦32 million, covers 60 undergraduates from tertiary institutions across Nigeria and 20 secondary school students from the host communities. Each undergraduate received ₦500,000, while each secondary school student received ₦100,000.
The Social Performance Manager of Dangote Cement, Okpella Plant, Mr. Daniel Obamina, said the programme reflects the company’s deliberate effort to invest in human capital and open up lasting opportunities for young people in its host communities.
He described education as one of the most effective tools for social transformation and community advancement.
“Dangote Cement believes that education is a powerful catalyst for development. Through this scholarship programme, we are investing in the future of our young people and providing support that will enable them to pursue their academic ambitions without undue financial challenges. We want these students to become future leaders, professionals and contributors to the development of their communities and Nigeria as a whole,” Obamina said.
He added that the scholarship scheme is an important part of the CDA between the company and its host communities, stressing that Dangote Cement remains committed to meeting its obligations and promoting initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to residents.
Obamina explained that the four 500KVA transformers were installed to improve power supply, raise living standards and stimulate economic activity in the benefiting communities.
“Access to reliable electricity is essential for socio-economic development. These transformers will help improve power distribution, support businesses, enhance learning environments and generally improve the quality of life for residents. This project reflects our determination to make meaningful contributions beyond our core business operations,” he stated.
The Chairman of the Executive Committee of Host Communities (ECHC), High Chief Peter Afiabor, commended the company for consistently honouring its commitments under the CDA.
He said the scholarships and power projects would positively affect thousands of residents across the host communities.
“Today’s event is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through constructive engagement and partnership between a company and its host communities. The scholarships will provide financial relief to families and encourage educational excellence among our youths, while the transformers will address critical electricity needs in our communities,” Afiabor said.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the support wisely and stay focused on their studies.
“This opportunity should inspire the students to study hard and become worthy ambassadors of their communities. We appreciate Dangote Cement for this gesture and look forward to sustaining the cordial relationship that has delivered these and many other development projects,” he added.
According to the statement, beneficiaries and community members thanked the company, describing the scholarships as a life-changing intervention that would ease educational expenses and motivate students to achieve more.
It said parents and guardians also praised the initiative, noting that rising education costs have made such support increasingly valuable to families.
The projects form part of Dangote Cement’s broader social investment strategy to foster socio-economic development, strengthen stakeholder relations and improve the well-being of residents in its host communities.
Industry observers say they show the company’s commitment to turning its CDA into measurable results through investments in education, infrastructure, youth empowerment and community welfare.
With the scholarships and the four additional transformers, Dangote Cement has again reaffirmed its resolve to partner with host communities in promoting sustainable development, expanding opportunities for young people and improving access to critical infrastructure in Okpella and surrounding areas.
