By Ayomide Otitoju
Dangote Cement Plc has expanded its scholarship scheme to cover 51 communities in the Oworo District of Kogi State, further broadening its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reach beyond its immediate host areas.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, during the scholarship award ceremony held in Obajana. According to him, while the Oworo communities are not directly within the company’s catchment zone, Dangote Cement chose to extend the programme to ensure wider impact.
He explained that the Obajana plant already runs a scholarship scheme for host communities in line with the Community Development Agreement. In addition, he said, the company is providing five boreholes across different Oworo communities to improve access to clean water.
“We remain committed to sustaining our Corporate Social Responsibility programme across the Oworo District,” Nawabuddin said.
General Manager of Social Performance, Ademola Adeyemi, disclosed that of the initial 50 beneficiaries, 26 are female and 24 are male. He assured that each recipient would continue to enjoy support until completing their academic programmes, provided they maintain strong academic performance. Fresh beneficiaries would only be considered as slots open up, he added.
“The scholarship programme symbolises hope, opportunity, and the belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves a chance to pursue their dreams through education,” Adeyemi said.
The initiative drew commendations from community and government leaders. President of the Oworo Development Association, Alhaji Jibril Ibrahim, described the scheme as “a dream come true,” urging beneficiaries to excel academically and make their communities proud.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Education, represented by Acting Permanent Secretary Omolayo Bilkisu, praised the partnership between the state and the private sector. “We are proud of the support the company is offering to the communities through its education and empowerment programmes,” she said.
Also speaking, the Olu of Apata, Oba Federick Balogun, noted that education remains the strongest foundation for development. “By supporting our sons and daughters in their academic pursuits, Dangote Cement has once again demonstrated its commitment to the growth and well-being of its host communities,” he said.
Community leaders, including ward chancellor Victoria Temitope, expressed gratitude to the Dangote Group, urging students to take full advantage of the opportunity by working hard and remaining disciplined.
