Gboko,Benue State — Dangote Cement Plc has increased its annual students’ bursary for host communities in Gboko, Benue State, from ₦10 million to nearly ₦30 million, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to education and community development.
The Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Engr. Abhijit Dutta, announced the increase during the presentation of a symbolic cheque, noting that the 2025 scholarship scheme will benefit over 230 students drawn from six host communities.
Represented by the Head of Finance Department, Mr. Olusegun Orebanjo, Engr. Dutta said the scope of the bursary has been expanded beyond the immediate host community of Mbayion to include Mbatur (Yandev District), Mbazembe (Ipav District), and Pass Brothers Community in Guma Local Government Area, in line with the Community Development Agreement (CDA).
“We see our host communities not just as neighbours, but as partners in progress. This scholarship reflects our belief that investment in education is key to sustainable development,” he said.
He disclosed that the scholarship allocation for 2025 stands at ₦28.8 million, stressing that the scheme is transparently administered to ensure fairness and accountability across all beneficiary communities.
The Head of Social Performance, Dr. Johnson Kor, said the increase was designed to accommodate more indigent but deserving students and to deepen the company’s impact in its host communities.
The cheque presentation ceremony also featured the graduation of beneficiaries of the Youth Skill Acquisition Programme sponsored by Dangote Cement Plc and supervised by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
Engr. Dutta added that the Gboko Plant has continued to implement people-centred empowerment initiatives, including programmes for women, farmers, and youths, aimed at promoting self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods in communities such as Tse-Kucha, Quarry, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur, and Pass Brothers.
Speaking at the event, the Ter Gboko, HRH Gabriel Shosum, urged beneficiaries to use the bursary judiciously. His message was delivered by the Mue Ter Gboko, Ikpa Ahua.
Also speaking, Mrs. Sarah Adeniyi of the Industrial Training Fund described Dangote Cement Plc as a dependable partner in youth development.
One of the beneficiaries, Gabriel Yo Hol, a 16-year-old student of Amua Memorial Grammar School, thanked the company and pledged to uphold its values.
