Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, has strengthened its support for the Jakura community through scholarship awards and empowerment programmes for farmers and market women.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony on Monday, Plant Director, Obajana Plant, Engr. Azad Nawabuddin, said the scheme was part of the company’s commitment to implementing the provisions of the Community Development Agreement (CDA).

Represented by the Head of Social Performance at the Obajana Plant, Prince Ademola Adeyemi, he said the empowerment programme benefited students, farmers and market women.

Engr. Nawabuddin said the programme, which focused on students, farmers and market women, underscores DCP’s continued commitment to sustainable community development, poverty reduction and economic empowerment across its host communities.

He said a total of twenty beneficiaries drawn from several tertiary institutions and sixty beneficiaries from secondary schools received educational grants running into several millions of naira.

He disclosed that 20 farmers were provided with essential farming implements and funds, noting that the initiative is designed to enhance agricultural productivity, encourage the adoption of improved farming practices and contribute to greater food security in the community.

Twenty market women were each provided with start-up capital and business support to strengthen their enterprises, promote financial independence and enhance household incomes.

The event attracted several stakeholders, traditional rulers, government representatives, and community leaders including: His Royal Highness, Oba Usman Adoga Ajibola, the Obaro of Jakura., Representative of the Olu of Oworo, Chief K.A Mahmood, (The Obalumema of Oworo Land), Engr. E.O. Olaitan, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), Mrs. A. O. Onimode, Kogi State Ministry of Solid Mineral and Natural Resources, youth and women groups, members of Jakura traditional council, among others.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Jakura CDA Committee, Chief Bonibade Ajiboye, appreciated Dangote Cement Plc Obajana Plant for keeping to commitments noting that aside the empowerment programme, the electrification project is almost completed.

He commended the Plant for the kind gesture towards Jakura community despite the security challenge. Goodwill messages were brought to the event by members of Jakura traditional council, Oworo traditional council, Federal and State representatives with all commending and joining Jakura community to express appreciation to Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant.

In his remarks, His Royal Highness, Oba Usman Adoga Ajibola, the Obaro of Jakura, expressed gratitude to Almighty God for blessing Jakura with abundant mineral resources and commended **Alhaji Aliko Dangote** for choosing to invest in the area.

The royal father also lauded Dangote Cement Plc for its numerous developmental interventions in the community, describing the latest empowerment initiative as another demonstration of the company’s commitment to improving the welfare and livelihoods of its host communities.

He pledged that the community would ensure the sustainability of the projects and see to it that the beneficiaries put their respective benefits to good use.

He prayed for Allah’s continued blessings upon Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his generosity, philanthropy and contributions to humanity.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Vice President, Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to lead a nutrition-focused peer exchange mission.

Shettima is attending the inaugural Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange Visit at the invitation of Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh.

According to a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), the visit will enable both nations to share strategies on establishing a combined federal, state, and local compact for effective nutrition delivery.

According to the statement, during the visit, the Nigerian delegation will study Ethiopia’s government-led, multi-sectoral approach to food security and tour several key sites, including: A wheat farm and banana plantation in Oromia, The ‘Bounty of the Basket’ Training Centre and community household initiatives in Mojo, and Jabdu Motors in Bishoftu.”

“The Vice President’s entourage includes Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; and Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar Abubakar,” it added.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members and a civilian abducted while travelling through Imo State have been rescued in a joint operation by security agencies.

The victims were rescued by operatives of the military, Department of State Services and police following an intelligence-led search operation launched after the abduction.

The development was confirmed by security sources, who said the victims were receiving medical attention at a DSS facility.

The prospective corps members were reportedly abducted while travelling through the state, prompting security agencies to mobilise for their rescue.

The coordinated operation involved the military, DSS, police and other security agencies.

The sources said the operation was intelligence-driven, leading security operatives to the location where the victims were held.

The rescue comes amid persistent concerns over the safety of travellers and NYSC members in parts of the country.

Authorities have commenced investigations into the abduction and are working to identify and arrest other suspects linked to the incident.

The rescued victims are expected to receive further attention as security agencies continue investigations into their ordeal.

The agencies have yet to disclose details of the identities of the victims, the exact location where they were rescued or whether any arrests have been made.

Security sources said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects involved in the abduction