By SIMEON OGOEGBULEM
Dangote Cement Plc, through its Obajana Plant in Kogi State has offered no fewer than 75 students from Oworo land, the host community of Obajana Plant multimillion Naira scholarships as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme. The latest awards bring the total scholarship offered by the company between 2025 and 2026 to 125.
The scholarship scheme, initiated by Dangote Cement Plc, aims to expand its CRS footprint across Oworo land, reaching beyond its five primary catchment communities of Jakura, Oyo, Iwaa, Apata, and Obajana.
Representative of the Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, said while 50 students benefited from the scheme in 2025, the number increased to 75 students in 2026. Adeyemi said this initiative is structured to offer financial relief to students while alleviating the burden of educational expenses for parents and guardians.
He said the increase further demonstrates Dangote Cement Plc commitment to investing in human capital development and supporting the educational aspirations of youths in its host and catchment communities. The event attracted notable stakeholders from the host communities, government institutions, and the Oworo Development Association (ODA).
In his opening address, the President of the ODA, Mr. Ibrahim Adoga, expressed profound appreciation to Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant for its continuous investment in community development. Adoga acknowledged various developmental projects executed by the company across the host and catchment communities and specifically mentioned the commissioning of five boreholes drilled across five communities in Oworoland in 2025 while additional four were drilled in 2026.
Adoga commended the management of Dangote Cement Plc, particularly Aliko Dangote, the Plant Director, management team, and staff for making the scholarship programme a reality. He described the increase in beneficiaries from 50 to 75 students as a commendable gesture that would greatly relieve parents and dependants of financial burdens associated with higher education.
He urged traditional leaders, youth groups, women, and other stakeholders to continue supporting and protecting Dangote Cement Plc as a valued community asset. According to him, the company’s unwavering commitment to education is creating life-changing opportunities for many less-privileged students in Oworo Land.
Speaking on behalf of parents, Mr Ibrahim Eleson Denja expressed gratitude to Dangote Cement Plc for sustaining the scholarship initiative and positively impacting educational development in Oworo Land. The speakers unanimously commended the company for its responsive approach to community needs and its dedication to fostering sustainable development through education.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Oheda Faith Helen, a Student of Biochemistry Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant for the scholarship award. She stated that the intervention would significantly support students in achieving their academic goals and reduce the financial burden on their families.
The 2026 Oworo Tertiary Institution Scholarship Award Programme further reinforced Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant’s commitment to sustainable community development through education. By increasing both the number of beneficiaries and the total scholarship value, the company has demonstrated its dedication to empowering young people, promoting academic excellence, and strengthening its relationship with host and catchment communities in Oworo Land.
