From Gboko,Benue state.
In a strategic move to strengthen food security and stimulate local economic growth, Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State, supporting 50 agripreneurs from its host communities in Gboko Local Government Area.
This economic intervention is designed to transform selected subsistence farmers into commercial-scale producers of food and cash crops, tapping into Benue’s rich agricultural potential as Nigeria’s renowned food basket.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in Dangote Cement’s community investment drive and comes just two months after the company distributed cash grants to women entrepreneurs in Gboko.
Earlier, it also increased bursary payments to students from host communities by over 100 per cent, steps aimed at deepening socio-economic impact in the region.
Speaking at the programme’s official launch on Thursday, Johnson Kor, General Manager of Social Performance at Dangote Cement, described the initiative as “historic and innovative,” noting that it is the first major empowerment project since the signing of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) with host communities in December 2024.
“The Farmers Empowerment Programme is part of our commitment to inclusive economic development. We are enabling 50 local farmers from six communities to scale up production and contribute meaningfully to local and national food systems,” Kor said.
In addition to funding support, the company is providing inputs such as fertilizer, agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, and high-yield seedlings, according to him.
The Plant Director of the Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan,represented by the Head of Production, Engr. Soom Kiishi, emphasized that this is only the beginning of a broader economic plan.
“This is the first batch, but certainly not the last. We intend to make it an annual event, although the nature of each programme may evolve, based on the priorities of our host communities,” Murugan said.
Other initiatives in the pipeline include a Youth Empowerment Programme, which will provide technical training in welding, fabrication, and solar electrical installation, expanding job-ready skills among young people, he explained.
Dangote Cement’s community outreach also includes a scholarship scheme spanning various disciplines and institutions, reinforcing the company’s holistic approach to social investment.
An Economic analyst and community consultant, Dr. Ahemen Aondoaver Samuel of Abbass Corporate Services, hailed the programme as a transformative opportunity.
He urged beneficiaries to treat the support as a springboard into agribusiness and a tool to help tackle Nigeria’s food security challenges.
A community member ,Kwaghgba Isaac,expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, to Dangote company,describing the project as a “game-changer” that will not only boost household incomes but also contribute to national food supply.
He called on residents to maintain peaceful relations with the company, noting that such partnerships are key to sustaining long-term development.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
