Dangote Cement Empowers 50 Farmers in Benue to Boost Food Security

Dangote Cement Empowers 50 Farmers in Benue to Boost Food Security

Gboko, Benue State – In a bold move to support food security and community development, Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State, empowering 50 local farmers to engage in large-scale production of both subsistence and cash crops.

The initiative, flagged off on Thursday in Gboko Local Government Area, is part of Dangote Cement’s broader commitment to enhancing livelihoods in its host communities. It comes just weeks after the company disbursed cash grants to businesswomen in the area and more than doubled its bursary support for local students.

Speaking at the official launch, General Manager, Social Performance, Mr. Johnson Kor, described the programme as “historic and innovative,” noting that it is the first to be implemented since the signing of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) in December 2024.

Kor explained that the beneficiaries were drawn from six catchment areas within the Gboko LGA, following a careful selection process aimed at ensuring wide community representation.

“This is a historic occasion in our mutual development journey. The Farmers Empowerment Programme is a key part of the CDA and we are committed to its full implementation,” Kor said.

Also speaking at the event, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Gboko, Mr. Munusamy Murugan, represented by the Head of Production, Engr. Soom Kiishi, announced that the company will support the selected farmers with fertilizers, agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, and various high-yield seedlings.

“This is just the beginning. Though this is the first batch, the programme will be held annually. However, future editions may feature different empowerment initiatives, based on the expressed needs of the communities,” Murugan stated.

He also revealed plans to soon launch a Youth Empowerment Programme, which will offer training in welding and fabrication, as well as solar electrical installation.

Meanwhile, a consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, Dr. Ahemen Aondoaver Samuel, urged beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity provided by the company, describing it as a pathway to becoming agricultural entrepreneurs and contributors to national food security.

A community representative, Mr. Kwaghgba Isaac, lauded the company for the initiative, calling it a “huge and historic intervention” that will not only enhance subsistence farming but also help feed the nation. He encouraged continued peaceful coexistence between the company and its host communities.

Dangote Cement’s latest intervention underscores its ongoing commitment to sustainable development and economic empowerment in Benue State.