Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State, aimed at transforming 50 local farmers into agricultural entrepreneurs, in a strategic move to support Nigeria’s food security efforts.
Benue is the latest beneficiary of Dangote Cement’s social investment initiatives. The programme is designed to help selected farmers cultivate both subsistence and cash crops on a commercial scale.
This latest intervention comes just two months after the company provided cash grants to businesswomen in its host communities in Gboko and significantly increased bursary payments to students from the same areas, doubling the previous amounts.
Speaking at the official launch of the initiative on Thursday, Mr. Johnson Kor, General Manager, Social Performance at Dangote Cement, described the programme as “historic and innovative.” He said the 50 beneficiaries were carefully selected from the company’s six host communities within Gboko Local Government Area, in line with the Community Development Agreement (CDA) signed in December 2024.
“Today marks a historic moment in our mutual journey of development. This Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first to be implemented under our new CDA, and it represents our ongoing commitment to grassroots economic growth,” said Kor.
Also speaking at the event, Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Mr. Munusamy Murugan, who was represented by the Head of Production, Engr. Soom Kiishi, outlined the company’s support package for the farmers. This includes the provision of fertilizers, agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, and improved seedlings to ensure a successful planting season.
“This is only the first batch, and we plan to make it an annual programme,” Murugan said. “However, future empowerment themes may vary depending on the needs of each host community.”
He added that other economic empowerment initiatives are also underway, including a Youth Empowerment Programme that will offer vocational training in Welding & Fabrication and Solar Electrical Installation, to be delivered by certified professionals.
The company also reaffirmed its commitment to education through a robust scholarship scheme that spans various disciplines and tertiary institutions.
Dr. Ahemen Aondoaver Samuel, a consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, advised the beneficiaries to seize the rare opportunity presented by the programme and work towards becoming self-reliant agricultural entrepreneurs.
“This is not just about farming; it’s about building a business, contributing to food security, and creating wealth,” Dr. Samuel said.
In a show of appreciation, community member Mr. Kwaghgba Isaac described the initiative as a “historic and transformative” intervention that would not only strengthen subsistence farming but also contribute to national food sufficiency.
He called on the communities to continue fostering peace and cooperation with the company, noting that development thrives in a stable environment.
