Connect with us

News

Dangote Cement Tripples Students Bursary For Benue Host Communities

Published

on

 

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).

Advert

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.

News

Barau Jibrin Drives Grassroots Empowerment with 47 Vehicles, 287 Motorcycles in Kano North

Published

on

 

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has distributed 47 vehicles and 287 motorcycles to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the Kano North Senatorial District as part of efforts to support grassroots empowerment.

The beneficiaries include APC local government chairmen, their secretaries and other party stakeholders in the district.

Barau, who spoke through the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Salihu Sagir Takai, said the intervention was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the vehicles and motorcycles were meant to ease economic hardship and improve the livelihoods of the beneficiaries.

Advert

According to him, the initiative is part of his continued interventions in human and capital development in Kano North, adding that more programmes would follow.

“This is not the first time we are carrying out such an intervention, and it will certainly not be the last,” he said.

The Chief of Staff to the Deputy President of the Senate, Professor Muhammad Ibn Abdullahi, described the gesture as a capital-intensive intervention aimed at lifting beneficiaries out of poverty and promoting self-reliance.

He said Kano North was fortunate to have a leader committed to initiatives that stimulate development and improve living standards.

Abdullahi also urged the beneficiaries not to sell the items but to use them productively to generate income.

Similarly, Barau’s media aide, Shittu Madaki, said the items were carefully distributed to selected beneficiaries, noting that more empowerment programmes were in the pipeline.

Also speaking, Takai, a former governorship candidate in Kano State, said the intervention reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level, aimed at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of constituents.

Since his election as the Deputy Senate President on 2024 Senator Barau Jibrin has been empowerimg his constituents on self reliance and capital support to small scale industrialists

Continue Reading

News

One Kano Agenda Commends Governor Yusuf For Selecting Garo As Deputy Governor

Published

on

 

The One Kano Agenda wishes to commend His Excellency, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for the nomination of Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor, as the decision is strategic move that reflects foresight, inclusiveness, and commitment to effective governance.

We wish to note that, the nomination aligns with the broader vision of strengthening governance through experienced leadership capable of bridging policy direction and grassroots realities.

It is our belief that, Governor Yusuf’s decision has demonstrated a clear understanding of the political and administrative demands of the state, emphasizing that leadership at such a critical level requires competence, loyalty, and a deep connection with the people.

“The nomination of Hon. Murtala Sule Garo is a commendable step toward consolidating governance and enhancing administrative coordination. It reflects a deliberate effort by His Excellency to prioritize capacity and experience in advancing the state’s development agenda

Advert

As we observe, Hon. Garo’s track record in public service and political engagement, positions him as a valuable asset in supporting the Governor’s vision for sustainable development and responsive governance.

One Kano Agenda therefore wishes to call on stakeholders across political divides to rally behind the nomination, stressing that unity and collective responsibility remain essential for achieving long-term progress and stability.

We urge political actors to embrace collaboration over division, noting that the success of governance ultimately depends on shared commitment to the welfare of the people.

We wish to reaffirm our support for the administration, and we pledge our continued advocacy for policies and decisions that promote inclusiveness, institutional strength, and improved service delivery across Kano State.

We equally express confidence that the nomination will further strengthen governance structures and contribute positively to the realization of the administration’s developmental objectives.

 

Continue Reading

News

APC forum commends Gov Yusuf, backs Garo for stronger Kano leadership

Published

on

 

A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Emerging Progressives Leaders’ Forum (EPLF), has praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what it described as a bold and strategic move in selecting Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor.

Garo, who previously served as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in Kano State, was described by the group as a seasoned administrator with a deep understanding of governance and party structure.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Hafiz Idris, the forum said the appointment reflects a firm grasp of Kano’s political realities and the need for experienced leadership to strengthen governance in the state.

The group pointed to Garo’s record in public service, citing his administrative competence, loyalty to party ideals, and consistent ability to deliver results.

Advert

It added that his contributions to the growth of the APC in Kano remain notable, portraying him as a trusted figure within the party.

According to the forum, Garo’s emergence is expected to unify party members, bridge internal divides, and foster stronger cohesion ahead of future political activities.

The statement noted that Garo’s grassroots connection and political experience would not only consolidate governance but also reposition the APC for greater unity and influence in Kano State.

The forum further called on party members to support the new deputy governor, stressing that collective backing is essential for sustaining progress and achieving shared political objectives.

It also expressed optimism that the partnership between Yusuf and Garo would usher in a period of stability, inclusiveness, and effective leadership in the state.

Continue Reading

Trending