csrreporters 
In a strategic move to support Nigeria’s food security drive, Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State, targeting 50 local farmers for commercial production of both subsistence and cash crops.
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday, is focused on host communities in Gboko Local Government Area—a region often referred to as the food basket of the nation. This comes just two months after the company empowered women entrepreneurs in the area through cash grants and increased bursary awards for students by over 100%, underscoring its sustained commitment to community development.
Describing the empowerment scheme as historic and innovative, Johnson Kor, General Manager, Social Performance at Dangote Cement, said the 50 beneficiaries were carefully selected from six catchment areas in Gboko LGA, in line with the Community Development Agreement (CDA) signed with host communities in December 2024.
“Today marks a milestone in our shared journey of development. This Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first to be implemented since the signing of our CDA,” Kor noted.
Also speaking at the event, Munusamy Murugan, Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant—represented by Engr. Soom Kiishi, Head of Production—announced that the company will provide fertilizers, agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, and various seedlings to support the farmers.
“This is only the first batch and marks the beginning of what we intend as an annual initiative. Future editions may evolve based on the needs of our communities,” he said.
Murugan also revealed plans to launch a Youth Empowerment Programme in the coming weeks, with vocational training in Welding & Fabrication and Solar Electrical Installation led by certified professionals.
The company’s scholarship scheme remains ongoing, offering support to students from diverse academic backgrounds and institutions.
Dr. Ahemen Aondoaver Samuel, a consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing its potential to transform them into agricultural entrepreneurs while reinforcing national food security.
Community member Kwaghgba Isaac praised the initiative, calling it a “historic and impactful intervention” that will significantly improve both household-level and national food production. He urged fellow residents to maintain the peaceful relationship they currently enjoy with the company.
This new programme reaffirms Dangote Cement’s dedication to sustainable community investment and economic empowerment across its operational regions.
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