Dangote Cement Expands Education Support, Gives 75 Oworo Students Scholarships
By Sunday Etuka
Dangote Cement Plc has widened its support for education in Kogi State, awarding scholarships to 75 students from Oworo Community through its Obajana Plant. The figure is 25 higher than the 50 students who benefited last year.
The awards were presented at the 2026 Oworo Tertiary Institution Scholarship Award Programme and lift the total number of scholarships granted by the company between 2025 and 2026 to 125.
The multi-million-naira scheme is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. It takes the company’s reach beyond its five primary catchment communities of Jakura, Oyo, Iwaa, Apata and Obajana to the wider Oworo land.
Speaking on behalf of the Plant Director, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi said the number of beneficiaries grew from 50 in 2025 to 75 in 2026.
He said the scheme is meant to give students financial relief and reduce the cost of education for parents and guardians.
He added that the increase shows the company’s commitment to human capital development and to the educational aspirations of young people in its host and catchment communities.
Stakeholders from the host communities, government institutions and the Oworo Development Association (ODA) attended the event.
In his opening address, ODA President Mr. Ibrahim Adoga appreciated Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, for its continuous investment in community development.
He pointed to other projects executed by the company, including five boreholes drilled across five communities in Oworoland in 2025 and four more in 2026.
Mr. Adoga also praised the company’s management, including Aliko Dangote, the Plant Director, the management team and staff, for making the scholarship programme a reality.
He called the rise from 50 to 75 beneficiaries a commendable gesture that will greatly ease the financial pressure of higher education on parents and dependants.
He asked traditional leaders, youth groups, women and other stakeholders to continue supporting and protecting the company as a valued community asset.
According to him, the company’s unwavering commitment to education is opening life-changing opportunities for many less-privileged students in Oworo land.
Several dignitaries delivered goodwill messages. Speaking for parents, Magistrate Ibrahim Eleson Denja thanked the company for sustaining the scholarship initiative and for its positive impact on educational development in the area.
The speakers were unanimous in commending the company for responding to community needs and promoting sustainable development through education.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Oheda Faith Helen, a Biochemistry student at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, delivered the vote of thanks.
She expressed heartfelt appreciation to the company and said the support would help students achieve their academic goals and ease the financial strain on their families.
The programme closed on a joyful note with a prayer led by Chief Ezekiel Kehinde and the song “We Are Grateful Lord,” which symbolised the gratitude of the beneficiaries and the Oworo people for the company’s continued goodwill.
The event further underscored the Obajana Plant’s commitment to sustainable community development through education. By increasing both the number of beneficiaries and the total scholarship value, the company has shown its dedication to empowering young people, promoting academic excellence and strengthening its relationship with host and catchment communities in Oworo land.
Those present included Engr. E. O. Olaitan Femi, Federal Mines Officer; Mrs. Onimode O. A., Director of Geological Services, Kogi State Ministry of Mineral Resources; and Chief Ibrahim Adoga, President of the ODA.
Others were a representative of the Olu of Oworo, HRH Alhaji Seidu Adoga Aliyu, the Obaro of Omuwa Community; Chief K. A. Mahmoud, Chairman of the Oworo Education Endowment Fund (OWEEF) Committee; Mallam Abubakar Abdulkadir, Secretary of the committee; committee members Hajiya Ayisat Abdul and Chief G. A. Abdullahi; Magistrate Lele Ibrahim; Alhaji Haruna Aliyu; and Chief Ezekiel J. K., JDA National President.
