Dangote Cement has expanded its scholarship scheme to cover 51 communities in the Oworo District of Kogi State, offering more young people access to educational opportunities.
At the award ceremony held in Obajana on Monday, the Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, explained that although the Oworo communities are not part of the company’s direct catchment areas, they were deliberately included as beneficiaries of the programme. He said the gesture reflects the company’s commitment to inclusive development.
Nawabuddin noted that the company already operates a scholarship scheme for its host communities under the Community Development Agreement. He added that beyond the scholarships, Dangote Cement had provided boreholes to five Oworo communities as part of its investment in the welfare of the people.
“We want to assure you that our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives will continue, and we remain committed to supporting our communities,” he stated.
The General Manager of Social Performance, Mr Ademola Adeyemi, revealed that of the initial 50 students who benefited from the scholarship scheme, 26 were female while 24 were male. He explained that the scholarships are designed to support each student until the completion of their academic programmes, provided they maintain strong academic performance.
“As a policy, we will continue with each beneficiary until they complete their academic programmes. We will only replace them with fresh beneficiaries when current ones graduate,” Adeyemi said.
He further disclosed that the initial 51 students for the 2025/26 session were chosen in collaboration with the Oworo Development Association and other 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.
The President of the Oworo Development Association, Alhaji Jibril Ibrahim, described the scholarships as a dream come true for the people. He urged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously.
“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,” he said.
Representing the Kogi State Commissioner for Education at the event, the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Omolayo Bilkisu, commended Dangote Cement for its intervention. She stressed that the government supports Public Private Partnerships to advance development in the state and said the company’s investment in education and empowerment would leave a lasting impact.
The Olu of Apata, Oba Frederick Balogun, also praised the initiative. “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,” he said.
Similarly, Oba Ahmodu Adoga, the Obaro of Ogbagon Community, noted that education creates opportunities for the youth and expressed gratitude to the company. “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,” he said.
A Councillor representing one of the Oworo wards, Honourable Victoria Temitope, also expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group. She encouraged the students to take their studies seriously.
“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.