Dangote Cement launches Farmers Empowerment Programme
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State, aimed at strengthening food security initiatives and expanding agricultural production in the region.
The new initiative is designed to support 50 farmers from the company’s host communities in Gboko Local Government Area to cultivate both subsistence and cash crops at a commercial scale. Benue State, widely recognised as the country’s food basket, stands to benefit from increased agricultural output through this effort.
The programme comes on the heels of other social investment activities recently undertaken by Dangote Cement Plc in the state. Just two months ago, the company provided cash grants to businesswomen in Gboko host communities to stimulate local enterprise. Additionally, bursary payments to students from host communities were increased by more than 100 per cent, strengthening educational support.
Speaking at the launch event on Thursday, General Manager of Social Performance at Dangote Cement, Mr. Johnson Kor, described the programme as a major step forward in the company’s relationship with the host communities. He explained that the farmers were carefully chosen from six catchment areas within Gboko Local Government Area to ensure equitable participation.
According to Mr. Kor, the Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first major project introduced following the signing of a Community Development Agreement (CDA) between Dangote Cement and the immediate host communities in December 2024. He stated that other projects listed in the CDA are being implemented progressively to address key needs identified by the communities.
Also speaking at the event, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Gboko Plant, Mr. Munusamy Murugan, who was represented by the Head of Production Department, Engr Soom Kiishi, announced that the company’s support for the farmers will go beyond training. Beneficiaries will also receive fertilizers, agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, and assorted seedlings to help boost yields.
Mr. Murugan added that although this is the first batch of beneficiaries, the company intends for the programme to become an annual event. He noted that the specific type of empowerment activity in subsequent years may change, depending on the expressed needs and choices of the benefiting communities.
Further plans include launching a Youth Empowerment Programme in the coming weeks. According to Mr. Murugan, selected young people will receive technical training in welding and fabrication, as well as solar electrical installation, equipping them with skills for sustainable employment. The company’s scholarship scheme, he added, remains open to students pursuing different disciplines at tertiary institutions.
In his remarks, a consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, Dr. Ahemen Aondoaver Samuel, encouraged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of what he described as a rare opportunity. Dr. Samuel said the initiative has the potential to transform participants into successful entrepreneurs in agriculture and strengthen the government’s broader food security agenda.
Reacting on behalf of the host communities, Mr. Kwaghgba Isaac welcomed the Farmers Empowerment Programme as a timely and significant intervention. He expressed confidence that it will not only boost local farming capacity but also contribute to national food supply. Mr. Isaac also appealed to fellow community members to maintain the peaceful relationship currently existing between the communities and Dangote Cement.
Through these social investment programmes, Dangote Cement Plc continues to position itself as a major partner in the development of its host communities, while also contributing to the national goal of achieving food security and inclusive economic growth.
