Dangote Cement PLC has empowered 240 indigents in Okpella community, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, under its social investment programme aimed at supporting host communities.
The empowerment scheme covered women, farmers, and students. Under the initiative, 100 women received N100,000 each to support their small businesses, 60 farmers were trained and provided with improved crops and farming tools, while 80 students in secondary and tertiary institutions received scholarships.
Speaking at the inauguration on Tuesday, Okpella Plant Director Ismaeel Mohammed said the intervention was part of the company’s five-year social investment plan for host communities.
Mr Mohammed, represented by Financial Controller Tanko Lawal, said the programme was implemented under the community development agreement (CDA).
According to him, the CDA supports women, farmers, and students in Okpella and nearby areas.
“This is a historic occasion in our journey of mutual development with the Okpella community.
“Two hundred and forty persons have been selected to benefit from this social intervention programme,” he said.
Patrick Omokhagbon said Dangote Cement is executing other social projects in the area.
He listed road construction in Afokpella, transformers, solar street lights, and boreholes.
The chairman of the executive committee of the host community, Peter Afiabor, commended Dangote Cement for the initiative.
He urged beneficiaries to use the support wisely and called on community members to sustain peaceful coexistence with the company for growth and development.
