By George Edomwonyi
Okpella (Edo), Dec. 16, 2025
In a significant move to foster sustainable development, Dangote Cement PLC has launched a targeted empowerment initiative for 240 indigenes of its host community, Okpella, in Edo State’s Etsako East Local Government Area. This program, reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), represents a strategic pillar of the company’s broader social investment framework, moving beyond one-off donations to create lasting economic and educational impact.
The initiative was meticulously structured to address three critical community pillars:
- Women & Enterprise: 100 women entrepreneurs each received a grant of N100,000. This capital injection is designed to scale existing micro-businesses—such as tailoring, food processing, or retail—enabling them to purchase bulk inventory, essential equipment, or secure better shop spaces. This approach tackles the primary constraint faced by many female entrepreneurs: access to startup and expansion capital.
- Agricultural Modernization: 60 local farmers underwent practical training and were provided with improved crop seedlings and modern farming tools. This component aims to shift agricultural practice from subsistence to higher-yield, more profitable farming, directly impacting food security and household income within the agrarian community.
- Educational Advancement: 80 students in secondary and tertiary institutions were awarded scholarships. This investment in human capital seeks to break the cycle of poverty by reducing the financial burden of education, thereby increasing school enrollment and completion rates for the community’s youth.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Okpella Plant Director, Dr. Ismaeel Mohammed, framed the event within a long-term vision. Represented by Financial Controller Dr. Tanko Lawal, he stated, “This is a historic occasion in our journey of mutual development with the Okpella community.” He clarified that the empowerment drive is a direct fulfillment of the company’s legally mandated Community Development Agreement (CDA)—a formal pact often required for mining and industrial operations in Nigeria. This context is crucial; it transforms the initiative from mere charity into a structured, accountable commitment to shared prosperity with host communities.
Mr. Patrick Omokhagbon, Director of Stakeholder Management, highlighted that this empowerment program is just one facet of Dangote Cement’s integrated community investment. The company is concurrently executing infrastructural projects including road construction in Afokpella, installation of transformers, solar street lights, and boreholes. This dual approach—combining direct individual empowerment with critical public infrastructure—creates a multiplier effect: the infrastructure improves the overall business environment, while the grants and training equip individuals to thrive within it.
Chief Peter Afiabor, Chairman of the Host Community’s Executive Committee, commended Dangote Cement while issuing a dual charge. He urged beneficiaries to utilize the resources judiciously to create lasting change for themselves and their families. Furthermore, he called on all community members to safeguard the peaceful and collaborative relationship with the company, recognizing that such harmony is the bedrock for continued investment and mutual growth.
This initiative by Dangote Cement serves as a contemporary case study in corporate social responsibility (CSR) within an African industrial context. It demonstrates how a structured, multi-pronged social investment plan—aligned with a CDA—can simultaneously address economic inclusion, agricultural productivity, and educational development. The program’s success will ultimately be measured by the sustainability of the businesses launched, the increased yields on local farms, and the academic achievements of the sponsored students, setting a benchmark for host-community relations in the region.
Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Abiemwense Moru
