To support the Nigerian government’s food security drive, Dangote Cement Plc has unveiled a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State, designed to transform 50 local farmers into thriving agro-entrepreneurs.
The initiative, launched in Gboko Local Government Area, home to the company’s cement plant and one of Nigeria’s most fertile regions, aims to elevate agricultural production in both subsistence and commercial crop categories. Benue State is widely regarded as the nation’s food basket, making it a strategic location for such intervention.
The latest initiative builds on a series of impactful community development programmes by Dangote Cement. Barely two months ago, the company disbursed cash grants to women entrepreneurs in its Gboko host communities, bolstering local business activities. It also recently increased its bursary payments to students in the host communities by over 100 percent, signaling its commitment to holistic development.
Speaking at the launch ceremony on Thursday, Johnson Kor, General Manager of Social Performance at Dangote Cement, described the programme as both “historic and innovative.”
According to Mr. Kor, the 50 beneficiaries were carefully selected from six catchment areas within Gboko LGA, and the project forms part of the broader initiatives outlined in the existing Community Development Agreement (CDA).
“Today we are witnessing an historic occasion in our journey of mutual development. Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first programme to be launched since we signed the CDA with the immediate host communities in December 2024,” he said.
He emphasized that the CDA is being implemented in phases, with clear provisions for community support and empowerment.
Also speaking at the event, Plant Director of Dangote Cement Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan, reiterated the company’s commitment to agricultural development. Represented by the Head of Production, Engr. Soom Kiishi, he disclosed that the farmers would receive not just training, but critical farming inputs including fertilizers, agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, and a variety of seedlings.
“This is the first batch but certainly just the beginning, and certainly not the end. We plan it to be an annual event, but the choice of the Farmers programme may change, depending on the choice of the benefiting communities,” Murugan noted.
He added that several other economic empowerment programmes are also in the pipeline, aimed at broadening impact across different demographics within the host communities.
“The Youth Empowerment Programme will soon be launched, and selected beneficiaries will receive training in Welding & Fabrication, and Solar Electrical Installation from professional personnel,” he said.
Mr. Murugan also highlighted the breadth of the company’s scholarship scheme, which benefits students across various disciplines and higher institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ahemen Aondoaver Samuel, a consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, urged the beneficiaries to seize what he described as “a rare opportunity” offered by Dangote Cement.
He noted that the programme has the potential to transform beneficiaries into successful agribusiness entrepreneurs, further contributing to national food security goals.
Community members responded with enthusiasm and gratitude. One of the beneficiaries, Kwaghgba Isaac, praised the initiative as a “historic and huge intervention” from Dangote Cement, saying it would not only strengthen local subsistence farming but also support the nation’s food supply chain.
He appealed to fellow community members to maintain the peace and cooperation that has characterized their relationship with the company.
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