Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, in partnership with Dangote Fertilisers Limited has awarded scholarships to 473 students from 10 secondary schools and seven tertiary institutions in Lagos State.
In addition, the company has donated 804 tables and chairs to secondary schools in their host communities of Ibeju-Lekki.
At the event, students, parents, teachers, and community leaders expressed immense joy as the scholarship certificates were presented to the beneficiaries, alongside educational materials, including textbooks and notebooks.
The event was held at Idotun Community Junior High School, a suburb of Lekki, as part of the 5th Edition of the Dangote Scholarship Award Programme.
Group Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, said the event symbolised a shared vision and partnership between Dangote Industries and its host communities.
He said that the vision was designed to build a foundation for sustained growth, rooted in education, innovation, and opportunities.
According to him, the initiative is also a reaffirmation of the group’s commitment to nurturing potentials, empowering communities, and shaping a brighter future for young people.
“Education, as we all know, is the passport to the future. At Dangote, we believe that education is not just a privilege but a right that every child deserves.
“This belief has fueled our dedication to supporting students and schools in our host communities since the year 2019 when we launched the Scholarship Award Programme as a key pillar of our Community Development Plan, with year-on-year progress,” he said.
Praising the students for their commitment to educational pursuit, which he acknowledged has resulted in remarkable growth over the years, Mr. Edwin highlighted the impressive year-on-year progress in the scholarship award, which rose from 56 students in 2019 to 450 beneficiaries in 2024.
Devakumar stated that the company is deeply inspired by their determination and is confident that the resources provided will empower them to realise their dreams.
He explained that the decision to donate 804 tables and chairs to schools in the community was part of the company’s broader commitment to enhancing the learning environment.
This gesture, he emphasised, is a testament to the company’s dedication to ensuring that every child has access to a conducive environment for learning, where they can grow, dream, and thrive.
“To the scholars here today, you are at the heart of our initiatives. Your dreams, aspirations, and hard work inspire us to continue making a difference.
“As you embark on your academic journeys, remember that the support you receive today is a seed sown in fertile ground. Nurture it with dedication, perseverance, and a spirit of excellence, and it will yield remarkable fruits in your future.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community leaders, dedicated school administrators who work tirelessly to ensure the success of these initiatives. Your partnership and support are invaluable, and we are honored to work alongside you in empowering the next generation,” he added.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Dangote Industries Free Zone Development Company (DIFZDC), Olayinka Akande, urged the beneficiaries to uphold excellence in line with the core values of Dangote Industries Limited.
He encouraged the students to aim high so as to rise to become governors, ministers, and captains of industry.
The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Petroleum & Petrochemicals, Ogunleye Mojisola, highlighted that the education intervention is one of the four pillars of the group’s Community Development Plan jointly designed with the community.
Reflecting on the scheme’s successes since its inception in 2019, Ogunleye expressed gratitude to the management for consistently providing the necessary resources to sustain the programme.
“The increase in the number of beneficiaries each year is a clear indication that the initiative is fulfilling its purpose, motivating students to study hard and achieve academic excellence,” she remarked.
The Aro of Lekki Kingdom, Chief Adewale Salami, who represented the Oni of Lekki, appreciated the intervention by the company to shape the future of the community, and pledged more support for Dangote Industries Limited.
The Chairman of the Lekki Coastal Area Development Association, Alhaji Wasiu Ayeola, praised the founder and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, “for transforming what was once a hunting ground of rabbits and lizards into a multibillion-dollar investment that benefits not only the local community and Lagos but also Nigeria and the world”.
He emphasised that education is the most effective way to shape the future of the community.
Several beneficiaries, including Atibere Peter from Lagos State University, Dauda Omolara from Community Senior High School, Magbon Segun, and Ganiu Ayomide from Community Senior High School, Akodo, among others, expressed their heartfelt gratitude.
They noted that the scholarship and support would motivate them to study harder and alleviate the financial burden on their parents and guardians.