Dangote Cement Plc has rolled out multi-million naira empowerment programmes for farmers, women, and youths across its six host communities in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
The company said the initiative is designed to help beneficiaries expand businesses, raise agricultural output, and acquire vocational skills.
According to News Agency Nigeria (NAN), the support meant for residents of Tse-Kucha, Quarry, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur, and Pass Brothers.
Under the scheme, 150 women will receive cash grants for business growth, 52 farmers will get agricultural inputs, and 30 youths will undergo skills development training. The training will be delivered in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr. Dele Alake, represented by Mrs. Usman Adijatu commended the Dangote Group for its sustained investment in host communities. He said the company’s interventions complement government efforts to promote inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and create sustainable livelihoods in mining and industrial areas.
He urged beneficiaries to use the support productively, describing it as a springboard for long-term economic empowerment and self-reliance.
Head of Social Performance for Pan-African Operations at Dangote Cement, Wakeel Olayiwola, said the programme was developed jointly by the company, government, and communities under the Community Development Agreement framework. He praised the six communities for maintaining peace and credited the CDA Consultative Committee for a transparent beneficiary selection process.
Plant Director of the Gboko Plant, Abhijit Dutta, said the initiative is part of a five-year CDA that began in 2025 and aims to ensure all six communities benefit from the company’s social investment programmes. He added that the company will soon launch a scholarship scheme for students in the host communities.
Dutta noted that more than 230 people benefited from similar programmes in 2025, and the company plans to continue the initiative throughout the current CDA. He said several projects under the agreement are underway and expected to be completed this year.
Traditional ruler of the Gboko communities, Gabriel Shosum, thanked Dangote Cement for its continued support and pledged the communities’ cooperation to sustain the partnership.
