By Abubakar Yunusa
Dangote Cement Plc, Okpella Plant, has invested more than N32m in education and electricity infrastructure, awarding scholarships to 80 students and commissioning four 500KVA transformers in its host communities in Edo State.
The interventions, carried out under the company’s Community Development Agreement (CDA) with host communities, were unveiled on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at a ceremony attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, students, parents, government officials and company executives.
The scholarship scheme covers 60 undergraduates studying at various tertiary institutions across the country and 20 secondary school students drawn from the company’s host communities.
Under the programme, each undergraduate received N500,000, while the secondary school beneficiaries were awarded N100,000 each to support their education.
Speaking at the event, the Social Performance Manager of Dangote Cement, Okpella Plant, Mr Daniel Obamina, said the initiative reflected the company’s commitment to human capital development and the creation of opportunities for young people.
He described education as a critical tool for social transformation and sustainable community development.
“Dangote Cement believes that education is a powerful catalyst for development. Through this scholarship programme, we are investing in the future of our young people and providing support that will enable them to pursue their academic ambitions without undue financial challenges.
“We want these students to become future leaders, professionals and contributors to the development of their communities and Nigeria as a whole,” Obamina said.
He explained that the scholarship scheme was an important component of the Community Development Agreement between the company and its host communities.
Obamina added that the company remained committed to honouring its obligations through projects that would deliver tangible benefits to residents.
On the four commissioned transformers, he said the intervention was designed to improve electricity distribution, support businesses and enhance residents’ quality of life.
“Access to reliable electricity is essential for socio-economic development. These transformers will help improve power distribution, support businesses, enhance learning environments and generally improve the quality of life for residents.
“This project reflects our determination to make meaningful contributions beyond our core business operations,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Executive Committee of Host Communities, High Chief Peter Afiabor, commended the company for what he described as its consistent commitment to the Community Development Agreement.
Afiabor said the scholarships would ease the financial burden on families and encourage academic excellence, while the transformers would address electricity challenges in the benefiting communities.
“Today’s event is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through constructive engagement and partnership between a company and its host communities.
“The scholarships will provide financial relief to families and encourage educational excellence among our youths, while the transformers will address critical electricity needs in our communities,” he said.
The community leader urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity and remain committed to their academic pursuits.
“This opportunity should inspire the students to study hard and become worthy ambassadors of their communities.
“We appreciate Dangote Cement for this gesture and look forward to sustaining the cordial relationship that has delivered these and many other development projects,” Afiabor added.
Some beneficiaries and community members also expressed appreciation to the company, describing the scholarships as timely support that would ease the cost of education and motivate students to pursue their academic ambitions.
Parents and guardians equally welcomed the intervention, noting that rising educational expenses had increased the financial pressure on households.
The scholarship awards and transformer commissioning form part of Dangote Cement’s broader community investment programme, which focuses on education, infrastructure, youth empowerment and improved welfare in its host communities.
The projects also underscore the role of Community Development Agreements in translating commitments between companies and host communities into practical interventions aimed at improving livelihoods.
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