Dangote Cement Launches Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue
…..50 farmers benefit
Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State, supporting 50 farmers to produce subsistence and cash crops in commercial quantity.
The Syndicate reports that the programme is coming barely two months after the company empowered businesswomen in its host communities in Gboko with cash grants to boost their businesses.
The company had also raised bursary payments to students from the host communities by more than 100 per cent.
Speaking Thursday at the launch of the Farmers Empowerment Programme, General Manager Social Performance, Johnson Kor, described the programme as “historic and innovative”.
He said the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the company’s six catchment areas in Gboko Local Government Area in line with the Community Development Agreement (CDA) it entered with the communities.
Mr. Akor said that the company has progressively executing the contents of the CDA for the benefit of all.
“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 added.
In his speech, the Gboko Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Munusamy Murugan, said the company will support the farmers with fertilizers, Agro chemicals, Knapsack Sprayers and various seedlings.
Mr. Murugan, represented by the Head of Production Department, Engr Soom Kiishi said: “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.”
He said other economic empowerment programmes are lined up in the coming weeks.
“The Youth Empowerment Programme will soon be launched, and selected beneficiaries will receive training in Welding and Fabrication, and Solar Electrical Installation from professional personnel,” he added.
Mr. Murugan said the company’s scholarship scheme has benefited students from various disciplines and tertiary institutions.
In his address, a consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, Dr. Ahemen Aondoaver Samuel, advised the beneficiaries to make use of the rare opportunity provided to them by Dangote Cement Plc.
The Consultant said the company’s effort will help transform beneficiaries into entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector and enable them to support government’s food security effort.
Responding, a member of the community, Kwaghgba Isaac, described the Farmers Empowerment Programme as a historic and huge intervention from the company which will not only boost subsistence farming, but also help feed the nation.
He urged members of the benefiting communities to sustain the mutual trust and peaceful coexistence currently being enjoyed for their benefit and that of the company.
