By ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –
Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State, aimed at enabling 50 farmers to produce subsistence and cash crops in commercial quantities.
The programme is part of the company’s efforts to encourage food security and sufficiency in the country.
The beneficiaries were selected from the company’s host communities in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. General Manager, Social Performance, Johnson Kor, described the programme as “historic and innovative”, saying it is the first programme to be launched since the company signed a Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the host communities in December 2024.
The company will provide support to the farmers, including fertilizers, agro chemicals, knapsack sprayers, and various types of seedlings.
Plant Director, Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan, said the programme is just the beginning and plans are underway to launch other economic empowerment programmes, including a Youth Empowerment Programme.
The programme has been described as a “rare opportunity” by Consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, Dr. Ahemen Aondoaver Samuel, who advised the beneficiaries to make the most of it. A member of the community, Kwaghgba Isaac, described the programme as a “historic and huge intervention” that will not only boost subsistence farming but also help feed the nation.
The programme is part of the company’s efforts to promote economic development and support the government’s food security initiatives.
