Dangote Cement Expands Scholarship Scheme to Oworo Communities in Kogi
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Cement Plc has expanded its scholarship programme to cover students from Oworo communities in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, extending its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives beyond its immediate host communities.
At the award ceremony held on Monday in Obajana, the Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, explained that although the Oworo communities are not directly within the company’s catchment areas, Dangote Cement decided to extend its support to the area in collaboration with the Oworo Development Association (ODA).
“Over the years, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, has operated a scholarship scheme for its host communities in line with provisions of the Community Development Agreement and in the spirit of Corporate Social Responsibility. Beyond scholarships, the company is also providing five boreholes to five different Oworo communities, further demonstrating our commitment to improving the welfare of the Oworo people,” Nawabuddin said.
He assured that the company would sustain its CSR programmes across the Oworo district.
Also speaking, the General Manager of Social Performance, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, disclosed that the first phase of the scheme will support 50 students in the 2025/26 academic session, made up of 26 females and 24 males.
“As a policy, we will continue with each beneficiary until they complete their academic programmes, provided they are able to sustain their performance, and we will only replace them with fresh beneficiaries upon exit of some current beneficiaries from school,” Adeyemi explained.
He added: “Today’s event is not just about financial support; it is about investing in the future of our community. These scholarships symbolize hope, opportunity, and the belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves a chance to pursue their dreams through education.”
In his remarks, the President of the Oworo Development Association, Alhaji Jibril Odoga Ibrahim, described the gesture as a “dream come true” for Oworo people.
“To our young beneficiaries, I urge you to see this scholarship as a challenge to excel. Work hard, remain disciplined, and make your community proud. The opportunity before you today is a seed, nurture it well so that one day you will give back to others,” he said, while offering prayers for continued blessings upon the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Representing the Kogi State Commissioner for Education, the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Omolayo Bilkisu, commended the initiative, saying the government values public-private partnerships.
“The government of Kogi State is proud of the support the company is offering to communities through education and empowerment programmes,” she noted.
Traditional rulers also lauded the initiative. The Olu of Apata, Oba Federick Balogun, described education as the strongest foundation for development, saying the scholarship would ease the burden on parents, encourage hard work among students, and inspire hope.
Similarly, the Obaro of Ogbagon Community, Oba Ahmodu Umar Adoga, said: “Oworo communities will not be the same again. Once again, we thank Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the management, and staff of Dangote Cement Plc for their continued support. May this bond of cooperation between the company and Obajana grow stronger for the benefit of all.”
In her goodwill message, Hon. Victoria Temitope, Councillor representing Oworo Ward in Lokoja LGA Legislative House, urged beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity.
“To our sons and daughters who have received this opportunity, I encourage you to study hard. Make the best use of it. Tomorrow, you will be the doctors, engineers, teachers, and leaders that will bring pride and progress back to the Oworo communities,” she said.
The scholarship programme, now extended to Oworo communities, is part of Dangote Cement’s ongoing investment in education and infrastructure as a way of fostering development and strengthening community relations.
