The Dangote Cement has extended its scholarship programme to 50 people from Oworo District of Kogi.

Speaking at the award ceremony in Obajana on Monday, the Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, explained that although the Oworo communities do not fall directly within the company’s catchment areas, Dangote Cement had chosen to extend its generosity by including them in the beneficiaries of the scheme.

The Plant Director noted that company already operates a Scholarship Scheme for its host communities in line with the provisions of the Community Development Agreement (CDA).

He added that, beyond the scholarship programme, the company also provided boreholes to five different Oworo communities, which further demonstrates its commitment to improving the welfare of the people.

He assured the communities that the company remains committed to sustaining its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of Social Performance, Mr Ademola Adeyemi, disclosed that out of the initial 50 beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme, 26 are female while 24 are male

He said: “As a policy, we will continue with each beneficiary, until they complete their academic programmes, provided they are able to sustain their academic performance, and we will only replace them with fresh beneficiaries upon exit of some current beneficiaries from school.”

Adeyemi said the initial 50 students for the 2025/26 session were selected with the active support of the Oworo Development Association and other key stakeholders.

“Permit me to note that today’s event is not just about financial support, it is about investing in the future of our community. These scholarships symbolise hope, opportunity, and the belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves a chance to pursue their dreams through education,” he added.

In his reaction, the President of the Oworo Development Association, Alhaji Jibril Ibrahim, commended the Dangote Cement Plc for making the dream of Oworo people come true.

“To our young beneficiaries, I urge you to see this scholarship as a challenge to excel. Work hard, remain disciplined, and make your community proud. The opportunity before you today is a seed, nurture it well so that one day you will give back to others.”

Also speaking, the Kogi State Commissioner for Education, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Omolayo Bilkisu, said the government of Kogi believed in a Public Private partnership to move the state forward,

She added that the government was proud of the support the company is offering to the communities through its education and empowerment programmes.

The Olu of Apata Oba Frederick Balogun said: “Education remains the strongest foundation for development, and by supporting our sons and daughters in their academic pursuits, Dangote Cement has once again demonstrated its commitment to the growth and wellbeing of its host communities.

“This gesture will ease the burden on parents, encourage hard work among students, and inspire hope in many households.”

Oba Ahmodu Adoga, who is the Obaro of Ogbagon Community, said the community would continue to be grateful as education opens doors of opportunities for the youth.

“Once again, we thank Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the management, and staff of Dangote Cement Plc for their continued support. May this bond of cooperation between the company and Obajana grow stronger for the benefit of all.”

Victoria Temitope, a Councillor in one of the wards of the Oworo communities, thanked the President of the Dangote Group for the support and urged beneficiaries to maximise the advantages by studying hard.

“To our sons and daughters who have received this opportunity, I encourage you to study hard. Make the best use of it. Tomorrow, you will be the doctors, engineers, teachers, and leaders that will bring pride and progress back to the Oworo communities,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz