Dangote Cement Plc has announced a major increase in its education support programme for host communities in Gboko, Benue State, as the company tripled its annual scholarship fund from N10 million to N28.8 million for the 2025 academic year. The development was disclosed during the presentation of a symbolic cheque to beneficiaries at a ceremony held in Gboko.
The Head of Social Performance of Dangote Cement Plc, Gboko Plant, Dr. Johnson Kor, said the company expanded the scholarship scheme to accommodate more students across its host communities. He explained that the decision reflects the company’s continued focus on education as a tool for long-term community development and social stability in areas where it operates.
Speaking at the event, the Plant Director of the Gboko Plant, Engr. Abhijit Dutta, described the increase as a clear demonstration of the company’s commitment to its neighbours. “This year’s scholarship marks a significant increase from N10 million to about N30 million,” he said. Engr. Dutta was represented at the event by the Head of the Finance Department, Olusegun Orebanjo.
According to him, no fewer than 230 students are benefiting from the 2025 education scheme. He noted that the scope of the programme has been widened beyond the immediate host community of Mbayion to include Mbatur in Yandev district, Mbazembe Community in Ipav district, and Pass Brothers Community in Guma Local Government Council. This expansion, he said, was aimed at ensuring fairness and inclusion.
Engr. Dutta stated that the company does not see its host communities “merely as neighbours, but as valued partners in progress.” He added that the scholarship scheme targets indigent but deserving students and reflects a sustained passion for education and human capital development within the communities.
The cheque presentation ceremony also featured the graduation of beneficiaries of a youth skill acquisition programme sponsored by the Dangote Cement Plc Gboko Plant and supervised by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). According to Engr. Dutta, the scholarship fund was reviewed upward to ₦28.8 million this year, with coverage extended to all six host communities, in strict compliance with the Community Development Agreement (CDA).
“This deliberate expansion reflects our desire to ensure equity, inclusiveness, and shared benefits across all our immediate communities,” he said. He further explained that the company has consistently sustained the scholarship programme over the years and intends to continue, stressing that community growth and business success are closely linked.
“Our CSR initiatives are therefore not one-off gestures, but long-term social investments designed to create lasting impact,” he added. He urged beneficiaries to use the funds prudently and strictly for educational purposes, noting that the scholarship process is managed transparently by a duly constituted committee to ensure accountability.
Beyond scholarships, the company reiterated its commitment to improving livelihoods and social welfare through other people-focused initiatives. Engr. Dutta disclosed that in 2025, the Gboko Plant implemented several development programmes, including a Women Empowerment Programme for 150 beneficiaries, a Farmers’ Empowerment Programme for 50 beneficiaries, and a Youth Empowerment Programme for 30 youths. The beneficiary communities include Tse-Kucha, Quarry, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur, and Pass Brothers.
The event also marked the successful completion of the Youth Empowerment Programme, with participants receiving certificates and starter packs. These initiatives, according to the company, are designed to promote self-reliance, restore dignity, and support sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, the Ter Gboko, Gabriel Shosum, represented by the Mue Ter Gboko, Ikpa Ahua, advised beneficiaries to make good use of the bursary. Also speaking, an ITF representative, Mrs. Sarah Adeniyi, described Dangote Cement Plc as a reliable partner in youth development. A 16-year-old beneficiary, Gabriel Yo Hol of Amua Memorial Grammer School, thanked the company and pledged to be an ambassador of Dangote Cement Plc.
