Dangote Cement awards N32m scholarships to 80 students, commissions four transformers in Edo
Omeiza Bilal
Dangote Cement Plc has awarded scholarships worth N32 million to 80 students and commissioned four 500KVA transformers in the host communities of its Okpella Plant in Edo State.
The company said the interventions, delivered on Thursday, October 29, 2026, fall under its Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the communities.
Traditional rulers, community representatives, youth groups, students, parents, government officials and company executives attended the ceremony.
The scholarships cover 60 undergraduates in tertiary institutions across Nigeria and 20 secondary school students from the host communities. Each undergraduate received N500,000 and each secondary school student N100,000, which totals N32 million.
Social Performance Manager of the Okpella Plant, Mr. Daniel Obamina, said the scheme was part of a deliberate effort to invest in human capital.
“Through this scholarship programme, we are investing in the future of our young people and providing support that will enable them to pursue their academic ambitions without undue financial challenges,” Obamina said.
He said the scholarship is a component of the CDA and that the company remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to the communities.
Obamina said the transformers were meant to improve power supply, raise living standards and stimulate economic activity.
“Access to reliable electricity is essential for socio-economic development. These transformers will help improve power distribution, support businesses, enhance learning environments and generally improve the quality of life for residents,” he said.
Chairman of the Executive Committee of Host Communities (ECHC), High Chief Peter Afiabor, commended the company for honouring its commitments under the CDA. He said the projects would benefit thousands of residents.
“Today’s event is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through constructive engagement and partnership between a company and its host communities. The scholarships will provide financial relief to families and encourage educational excellence among our youths, while the transformers will address critical electricity needs in our communities,” Afiabor said.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the support wisely and stay focused on their studies.
“This opportunity should inspire the students to study hard and become worthy ambassadors of their communities,” he added.
Dangote Cement said the projects form part of its broader social investment strategy aimed at fostering socio-economic development, strengthening stakeholder relations and improving the well-being of residents in its host communities.
