Dangote Cement Plc, Okpella Plant, has awarded scholarships worth N32 million to 80 students and commissioned four 500KVA transformers in Okpella, Edo State under its Community Development Agreement (CDA) with host communities.
The company said the gestures were to further demonstrate its commitment to sustainable community development and inclusive growth,
The scholarship award ceremony and transformer commissioning, held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, attracted traditional leaders, community representatives, youth groups, students, parents, government officials and senior officials of Dangote Cement.
The educational intervention worth over N32million saw a total of 80 students benefiting from the scholarship programme.
The beneficiaries comprised 60 undergraduate students from various tertiary institutions across Nigeria and 20 secondary school students drawn from the company’s host communities.
Under the scheme, each undergraduate beneficiary received ₦500,000, while each secondary school student was awarded ₦100,000 to support their educational pursuits.
Speaking at the event, the Social Performance Manager of Dangote Cement, Okpella plan, Mr. Daniel Obamina, described the initiative as part of the company’s deliberate effort to invest in human capital development and create sustainable opportunities for young people in host communities.
According to him, education remains 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 noted that the scholarship scheme forms an important component of the Community Development Agreement entered into between the company and its host communities.
The Manager added that Dangote Cement remains committed to fulfilling its obligations and promoting initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to residents.
Obamina further explained that the commissioning of four 500KVA transformers was designed to improve power supply within the benefiting communities, enhance living standards and stimulate economic activities.
“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.
One of the beneficiaries being presented with her award cheque by the Chairman of the Executive Committee of Host Communities (ECHC), High Chief Peter Afiabor (left), flanked by members of the Dangote Cement, Okpella Plant management during the scholarship award ceremony.
Chairman of the Executive Committee of Host Communities (ECHC), High Chief Peter Afiabor, commended Dangote Cement for consistently honoring its commitments under the Community Development Agreement.
He described the scholarship awards and power infrastructure projects as impactful interventions that 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.
The community leader urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the support provided and remain focused on their academic goals.
“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.
Several beneficiaries and community members expressed appreciation to the company, describing the scholarship programme as a life-changing intervention that would help ease educational expenses and motivate students to achieve greater academic success.
Parents and guardians also lauded the initiative, noting that rising educational costs have made such support increasingly valuable to families.
The scholarship programme and transformer commissioning form part of Dangote Cement’s broader social investment strategy aimed at fostering socio-economic development, strengthening stakeholder relations and improving the well-being of residents in its host communities.
Industry observers note that the projects underscore the company’s commitment to translating its Community Development Agreement into measurable outcomes through investments in education, infrastructure, youth empowerment and community welfare.
With the award of scholarships and the deployment of four additional transformers, Dangote Cement has once 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.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
