By DAYO ADESULU
Dangote Cement Plc has expanded its scholarship programme to include students from Oworoland in Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State, marking a major extension of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives beyond its immediate host communities.
At the scholarship award ceremony held in Obajana on Monday, the Plant Director, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, said although Oworo communities are not within the company’s direct catchment areas, Dangote Cement chose to widen its impact by offering scholarships through the Oworo Development Association (ODA), leveraging the association’s reach and credibility.
According to Nawabuddin, the company has consistently operated a scholarship scheme for its host communities in line with the Community Development Agreement (CDA) and its CSR commitments. He added that aside from scholarships, Dangote Cement is also providing five boreholes across five Oworo communities, further demonstrating its dedication to improving living standards.
He assured the people of Oworo District that Dangote Cement remains committed to sustaining and expanding its CSR initiatives.
Speaking on the selection process, the company’s General Manager of Social Performance, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, revealed that the initial 50 beneficiaries for the 2025/26 academic session comprise 26 females and 24 males.
“As a policy, we will continue to support each beneficiary until they complete their academic programmes, provided they maintain good performance. Only then will we replace them with new students,” Adeyemi said.
He emphasized that the scholarship programme goes beyond financial support, describing it as “an investment in the future of the community, a symbol of hope, opportunity, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to achieve their dreams through education.”
The President of the Oworo Development Association, Alhaji Jibril Odoga Ibrahim, praised Dangote Cement for what he described as “a dream come true” for the Oworo people. He encouraged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined, excel in their studies, and eventually give back to their community.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Education, represented by Mrs. Omolayo Bilkisu, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, commended the partnership between Dangote Cement and the government, describing it as a model of effective public-private collaboration.
Traditional rulers also lauded the gesture. The Olu of Apata, Oba Federick Balogun, stressed that “education remains the strongest foundation for development,” adding that the support will ease financial burdens on parents and inspire hope in many households. Similarly, Oba Ahmodu Umar Adoga, the Obaro of Ogbagon, said the Oworo communities will never remain the same again, expressing gratitude for the life-changing initiative.
Also speaking, Honourable Victoria Temitope, Councillor representing Oworo Ward in Lokoja LGA, urged the students to make the most of the opportunity.
“To our sons and daughters who have received this opportunity, I encourage you to study hard. Tomorrow, you will be the doctors, engineers, teachers, and leaders who will bring pride and progress to the Oworo communities,” she said.
