Dangote Cement Rewards Host Communities with N15.7m Scholarships and Empowerment Tools
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Cement Plc has voiced an irrevocable pledge to the prosperity of its host communities, backing the promise with multi-million naira investments in education and economic independence.
During the 2025 Host Community Day celebration held at Ibese on Wednesday, the company distributed 25 laptops to graduates of its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training programme and provided dozens of grinding machines to local women to boost their income-generating capacity.
The event, themed “Sustaining Growth, Strengthening Bonds,” served as a formal account of the company’s social interventions over the past year. In his welcome address, the Plant Director, Mr. Ayyagari Subbaraidu, described the celebration as a vital vehicle for nurturing ties with neighbors and partners.
“This celebration is not just about our achievements in cement production but about reflecting on our journey of care, inclusion, and partnership,” stated Subbaraidu, whose speech was delivered by the Chief General Manager in charge of maintenance, Hemant Dave. He noted that the vibrant cultural displays and high attendance from various stakeholder groups served as clear evidence of the collaborative spirit existing between the plant and the community.
The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, joined other dignitaries in praising the cement giant for its steady contributions to the local economy. He pointed out that these initiatives have created a tangible positive shift in social welfare and economic opportunities for residents. Elemide invited other wealthy Nigerians to take a leaf from the book of the company’s founder, Aliko Dangote, by investing heavily in the domestic economy to stem the tide of unemployment.
Adding the state government’s perspective, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Mr. Ademola Balogun, expressed satisfaction with the company’s robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) record. He explained that the state remains determined to work alongside the company to maintain the peace necessary for lasting progress. “Through cooperation, transparency, and shared responsibility, we can achieve the progress we all desire,” Balogun said.
Presenting the 2025 social investment scorecard, the Head of Social Performance, Mr. Ademola Ojolowo, reported consistent gains in healthcare, infrastructure, and education. He revealed that the Ibese Plant successfully increased its scholarship fund to N15.7 million, benefiting 120 students across secondary and tertiary levels. Ojolowo also indicated that the company is currently finishing several development projects across the 17 host communities, with plans to launch a new set of social investments in 2026.
Traditional leaders at the event also shared their appreciation for the company’s role in local development. The Aboro of Ibeseland, Oba Oluseyi Mulero, spoke on behalf of the royal fathers, acknowledging the empowerment programs that have enhanced the quality of life for his subjects. He encouraged the company to widen the scope of its reach in the coming year while advising community members to protect the newly provided infrastructure to ensure its durability.
The day concluded with a series of traditional games and prize presentations, cementing the company’s message that development is a shared journey. By combining industrial growth with digital literacy and vocational support, the Ibese Plant continues to position itself as a partner in the long-term progress of Ogun State.
