The Federal Government has publicly commended Dangote Cement Plc for its significant and measurable contributions to the development of its host communities in Gboko, Benue State. The praise came during the official commissioning of a multi-million Naira corporate social responsibility initiative by the cement giant.
Minister Alake Hails Fulfillment of Community Pact
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, represented by Mrs. Adijatu Usman, an Assistant Director of Mines and Environmental Compliance in Benue State, stated that Dangote Cement is successfully meeting its obligations under the mandated Community Development Agreement (CDA). He explained that this federal policy requires mining companies to reinvest a portion of their profits back into their host communities to foster local economic growth and social welfare.
"I can tell you that Dangote Cement has delivered several projects for its host communities," the Minister affirmed. He highlighted that the commissioned projects, which include water schemes, scholarship awards, and a youth skill acquisition program, were identified as critical needs through direct engagement with the six host communities. "These projects are certified community-based projects because the community agreed that they needed them," Alake added.
Substantial Investment in Water and Education
Dr. Johnson Kor, Head of Social Performance at the Dangote Cement Plant in Gboko, clarified that the water projects were strategically delivered to communities suffering from poor access to clean, potable water. The educational support saw a major boost this year, with the company announcing a substantial increase in its scholarship fund.
A company statement revealed: "In further demonstration of this commitment, the scholarship fund has this year been reviewed upward to N28,800,000.00, and its scope has been expanded to cover all six host communities." This expansion is strictly aligned with the CDA provisions to ensure equity and shared benefits.
Community Appreciation and Call for Sustainability
The District Head of Mbaakpoghol-Mbatyu, Kunav Anum, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of his people. He noted the community's happiness at receiving one of the new boreholes and recalled previous support from the company, including improved electricity access. The monarch pledged the community's continued support for Dangote Cement's operations.
Minister Alake also acknowledged the role of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in partnering to supervise the youth skill acquisition program. He concluded with a call to action for the beneficiaries, urging them to take ownership of the projects. "What we expect is for the communities to see these projects as their personal projects; own them, and protect them, so that they will be sustainable. That way, there will be economic development within the communities," he stated.
