Dangote Granite Mines, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), has awarded bursaries to many qualified students from host communities in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State. The initiative reflects the company’s steady commitment to youth empowerment, community upliftment, and long-term development in the area.
The presentation ceremony brought together community leaders, excited students, parents, and the Management of Dangote Granite Mines. Beneficiaries were drawn from the four major host communities of Ayebandele, Olorunmodu, Saliu Babarisi, and Idi Omo, showing the company’s continued focus on inclusive growth and shared progress within the communities it operates in.
Speaking during the event, Joseph Alabi, General Manager, Community Relations, Dangote Granite Mines, restated the organisation’s long-standing dedication to social responsibility. He explained that 40 tertiary-level students and 20 secondary school students were selected for the bursary support. According to him, this demonstrates Dangote Granite Mines’ strong interest in strengthening both higher education and secondary learning for young people across the host communities.
He noted that the bursary scheme forms part of a wider set of interventions in Ijebu Igbo. These include renovating classrooms, developing health centres, installing solar-powered boreholes, and supporting cultural heritage initiatives that help preserve the identity and traditions of the people.
Mr. Alabi further highlighted the unique structure of the bursary programme, explaining that it provides continuous support throughout each beneficiary’s academic journey. “The uniqueness of our bursary is such that it doesn’t stop as a one-off gesture; we continue to support the students throughout their study period,” he said, stressing the value the company places on sustainability and steady academic progress.
He added that the initiative reinforces the Dangote Group’s commitment to promoting academic excellence while reducing financial pressure on families in the host communities.
Representing the paramount ruler, the Sopinlukale of Oke-Sopin, Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Mufutau Adesesan Yusuf, High Chief Ademola Ariyo praised the Dangote Group for what he described as consistent dedication to community development. He noted the positive relationship between the company and the host communities, calling the education support programme clear evidence of an organisation that genuinely values the people around it. “When you invest in the education of our children, you invest in the future of Ijebu Igbo,” he said.
He also acknowledged other community development projects conducted by the company, explaining that the impact of previous interventions in infrastructure and social welfare remains visible across the communities.
The excitement among beneficiaries was evident as Zainab Ontilo, a tertiary-level awardee, expressed gratitude, saying, “This money would go a long way in ensuring I complete my tertiary education seamlessly.” Another recipient, Enitan Haruna, added, “I can finally concentrate fully on my education without having to worry about how my next tuition would be paid or how I will afford miscellaneous expenses.” The ceremony closed with the presentation of cheques to the students.
