Dangote Cement Plc, Gboko Plant, has rolled out a comprehensive social programme aimed at driving sustainable economic empowerment in its host communities.
Speaking on Monday at a ceremony in Gboko, the Head of Social Performance of Dangote Cement Plc, Gboko Plant, Dr Johnson Kor, said the social programmes were conceived and implemented in line with the provisions of a mutually agreed Community Development Agreement, according to a statement from the firm.
Kor disclosed that in December 2024, Dangote Group entered into a Community Development Agreement with six mining communities, including Mbayion Community, which serves as the host community.
“In December 2024, Dangote Group had a Community Development Agreement with the six mining communities, including the Mbayion Community, which is the host community. Several projects were earmarked to cover a period of five years,” he said.
He explained that the company has since executed several projects, with others still ongoing, under the agreement. According to him, key interventions include the Women Empowerment Programme, the Farmers Empowerment Programme, and the Youth Empowerment Programme, all targeted at improving livelihoods within the host communities.
As part of the youth-focused interventions, the company presented certificates and starter packs to 30 graduates of the Youth Skill Development Programme at the event. Kor said the gesture was designed to enable the beneficiaries to immediately apply their acquired skills and become self-reliant.
He added that other projects executed under the Community Development Agreement include the commissioning of motorised boreholes in Mbaswa, Agboghol, Mbatyu, and Pass Brothers communities to improve access to potable water.
Also speaking at the event, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Gboko Plant, who was represented by the General Manager, Finance, Olusegun Orebanjo, said the company regarded its host communities as critical partners in its operations.
“At Dangote Cement Plc, we do not see our host communities merely as neighbours, but as valued partners in progress,” Orebanjo said.
“Our presence in Gboko is built on a strong belief that business success must go hand in hand with community wellbeing, and this philosophy continues to guide our operations and social investments. Today’s event is a clear expression of that shared journey,” he added.
The plant director further assured stakeholders that several Community Development Agreement projects were currently ongoing and progressing steadily.
“While some projects are yet to commence due to technical complexities, we are actively addressing these challenges. We assure you that all outstanding projects will be executed in the coming year, alongside new initiatives aimed at deepening our social impact,” he said.
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