$1.25bn endowment: Host Communities praise Aliko Dangote for CSR
By Patience Ikpeme
Billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has generously donated $1.25 billion to his foundation in order to support Corporate Social Responsibility Schemes throughout Africa.
This act of philanthropy has earned Dangote widespread praise, particularly from the communities hosting his company, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), in Nigeria.
In addition to the $1.25 billion given to the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), Mr. Dangote has authorized his other businesses to donate billions of naira towards various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives across Africa.
A statement from the Branding and Communications Department of the company revealed that Mr. Dangote has already donated several billions of naira to support healthcare, education, and environmental efforts in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa.
Communities in the northern states of Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, and Adamawa have expressed their appreciation for DIL’s significant contributions to their regions.
A review of the Corporate Social Responsibility projects in the coal mining communities of Benue demonstrates that DIL has successfully completed numerous initiatives outlined in the Community Development Agreement (CDA).
The CDA, signed by DIL and the host communities, has facilitated the rapid development of infrastructure in these areas.
Recently, the Dangote Coal Mines donated a substantial amount of money to improve healthcare and educational facilities in the coal mining communities of Ankpa Local Government Area in Kogi. These new facilities, located in the host communities of Awo Akpali and Awo Ojuwo, were established in accordance with the mutually agreed-upon Community Development Agreement.
Various individuals and organizations have expressed their gratitude towards Dangote Group for their commitment to fulfilling their promises and completing projects in a timely manner.
The Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Council, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the Monarch of Ankpa, and the National Chairman of the Awo Community Development Association have all commended Dangote for their efforts.
Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant recently commissioned a water project and laid the foundation for a block of classrooms for secondary students. The Baalo of Oyo Oba Solomon Obahawu expressed his satisfaction with the progress of infrastructure development in his community during the event.
During the Flagg off Ceremony of the 2022/2023 Crushing Season and Outgrower Scheme Awards in Numan, Adamawa State, Aliko Dangote announced that the company would be doubling its scholarship and empowerment programmes in its host communities.
The President and Chief Executive of DIL received praise from traditional rulers, including Hama Bachama Dr. Daniel Shaga Ismail, who described Mr. Dangote as a blessing and pledged continued support from his people.
In Nasarawa, DIL has implemented various projects, such as road rehabilitation, water supply, and educational empowerment. The Emir of Tunga, representing the communities, acknowledged that while the company’s investments had not yet yielded profits, compensations had been paid, and CSR initiatives were being implemented to support the communities. The Emir expressed gratitude for the Dangote Sugar Project and emphasized the community’s commitment to its success.
Overall, the communities hosting DIL’s operations are immensely grateful for the jobs, compensation, water, hospitals, and schools provided by Dangote Group. They consider themselves fortunate to be part of the Dangote story and express their gratitude for the positive impact the company has had on their lives.
