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Dangote Cement Tripples Students Bursary For Benue Host Communities

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The Dangote Cement Plc has tripled its scholarship fund for its Host communities in Gboko, Benue State.

Head of Social Performance of Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Dr. Johnson Kor, stated that the company has broadened its intervention to accommodate a larger number of beneficiaries.

Plant Director, Gboko Plant, Engr Abhijit Dutta, said at the presentation of the symbolic cheque in Gboko that, “This year’s scholarship marks a significant increase from ten million naira to about thirty million naira.”

Engr Dutta, who was represented by the Head of Finance Department, Olusegun Orebanjo, said no fewer than 230 students are beneficiaries from the 2025 education scheme.

He said the scope of beneficiaries for this year has been expanded beyond the immediate host community of Mbayion to include other mining communities of Mbatur in Yandev district, Mbazembe Community in Ipav district and Pass Brothers community in Guma local government council.

Engr Dutta said the company does not consider host communities “merely as neighbours, but as valued partners in progress.”

He added: “The sustainability of this scholarship scheme for indigent but deserving students reflects our deep-rooted passion for education and human capital development.”

The scholarship cheque was presented during a ceremony that also featured the graduation of beneficiaries of a youth skill acquisition programme sponsored by the Dangote Cement Plant, Gboko, and supervised by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

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According to him: “In further demonstration of this commitment, the scholarship fund has this year been reviewed upward to ₦28,800,000.00, and its scope expanded to cover all six host communities, strictly in line with the provisions of the Community Development Agreement (CDA). This deliberate expansion reflects our desire to ensure equity, inclusiveness, and shared benefits across all our immediate communities.

“Dangote Cement Plc has consistently sustained this educational intervention over the years and will continue to do so, because we firmly believe that when our communities grow, our business thrives. Our CSR initiatives are therefore not one-off gestures, but long-term social investments designed to create lasting impact.

“While congratulating the beneficiaries, we encourage that the scholarship fund be prudently and responsibly utilised for educational purposes. The scholarship process is transparently administered by a duly constituted committee set up by the Company to guarantee fairness and accountability across all beneficiary communities.

“Beyond scholarship, Dangote Cement Plc remains passionately committed to improving livelihoods and social welfare within our host communities. In collaboration with community leaders and other stakeholders, we continuously design and implement programmes that respond to real needs, in line with the CDA and our Corporate Social Responsibility policy.

“Accordingly, in 2025, the Gboko Plant rolled out several people-centred development programmes, including: Women Empowerment Programme for 150 beneficiaries, Farmers’ Empowerment Programme for 50 beneficiaries, Youth Empowerment Programme for 30 youths, among other laudable programmes.

“The beneficiary communities for these programmes are: Tse-Kucha, Quarry, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur, and Pass Brothers.

“Today’s ceremony also marks the successful completion of the Youth Empowerment Programme, with the passing-out of participants and the presentation of certificates and starter packs.

“These interventions are designed not only to provide skills, but to restore dignity, promote self-reliance, and stimulate sustainable livelihoods within the communities.

A monarch, Ter Gboko, Gabriel Shosum, advised all beneficiaries to put the bursary to judicious use. He was represented by the Mue Ter Gboko, Ikpa Ahua.

Representative of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mrs. Sarah Adeniyi, described Dangote Cement Plc as a worthy partner in progress considering its support for youth skill development.

A 16-year-old beneficiary, and secondary school student of the Amua Memorial Grammer School, Gabriel Yo Hol, thanked the company for the scholarship and promised to be an Ambassador of Dangote Cement Plc.

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Tragedy In Kano :Mother and Her Six Children Brutally Murdered 

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of a 35-year-old woman, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children, following a deadly attack on their residence in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of Kano metropolis.

The incident was confirmed in a press release issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa

According to the statement, the Command received a distress call at about 12:10 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, reporting a brutal attack on the household of one Haruna Bashir.

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“The victims, Fatima Abubakar (35) and her six children, were attacked by unknown hoodlums who broke into their house,” the police said.

“The report indicated that the victims were attacked with dangerous weapons, resulting in fatal injuries,” the statement added.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the deployment of officers to the scene.

“CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori immediately mobilized a police team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Lawal Isah Mani, to the scene,” the police said.

The bodies of the victims were evacuated to the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where they were confirmed dead.

The Command further stated that a team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been directed to carry out a thorough investigation.

“A team led by ACP Wada Jarma, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, has been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement noted.

The Kano State Police Command expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, residents of Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, and the people of Kano State over the tragic incident.

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CAN Mourns Heroic Imam Who Sheltered Christians During Plateau Attack

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has extended its condolences on the passing of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, a prominent religious leader in Plateau State, who died at the age of 90.

In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh praised the late Imam as a “shining example” of interfaith harmony, whose legacy of courage and compassion would endure.

Imam Abdullahi gained international acclaim in 2018 for his heroic actions during violent attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State. At great personal risk, he sheltered and saved the lives of 262 Christians in his home and mosque.

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Archbishop Okoh highlighted the Imam’s “rare moral bravery,” noting that his decision to protect innocent lives powerfully transcended religious divides and affirmed the sacredness of human life above all else.

“His actions served as a vital bridge in a nation often strained by religious suspicion,” Okoh stated. “He demonstrated that peace is achievable through conscience and love, embodying the core values of faith, compassion, and selflessness.”

The CAN President described Imam Abdullahi’s story as an enduring “blueprint for future generations,” surpassing physical honors in its lasting impact. He urged the government and the public to uphold the Imam’s sacrifice as a rallying point for building a more peaceful Nigeria.

Okoh also encouraged continued engagement with the Imam’s family and sustained public recognition of his heroism to inspire unity and mutual respect across the nation.

“As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life truly well lived. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his community, and all who were moved by his extraordinary example,” Okoh added.

It is noteworthy that the Federal Government had previously honored Imam Abubakar Abdullahi with the Order of the Niger (OON) in recognition of his dedicated efforts toward promoting peaceful coexistence.

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Nigeria Secures Record Ninth AFCON Bronze After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Win Over Egypt

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have clinched the bronze medal at AFCON 2025, defeating Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a tense and goalless regulation match.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves in the shootout to deny Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Ademola Lookman sealed the victory with a calm final penalty, providing consolation after Nigeria’s semi-final defeat by the same method.

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In a match between two sides reshuffled after semi-final losses, Nigeria started without key attackers Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi. The first half’s major incident saw a Paul Onuachu goal disallowed by VAR for a foul in the buildup, for which he also received a yellow card.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams showing effort but lacking a decisive final touch. Nigeria’s best chance came from a tame Raphael Onyedika effort from distance.

The victory marks Nigeria’s first penalty shootout win in three attempts at the tournament and extends their record to a ninth AFCON bronze medal.

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