Dangote Cement Plc, Gboko Plant, has announced a significant increase in bursary payments to its host communities in Benue State. During the presentation of the 2024 Dangote Scholarship to the Yion Clan Foundation and the Yion Traditional Council at the Gboko Plant, acting plant director Engr. Murusamy Murugan revealed the upward review.
“Over the past years, there have been calls from the Mbayion people for an upward review of this amount, and I am glad to inform you that this has been reviewed upwards to 22,800 naira with effect from 2025,” Murugan said. He emphasized the expectation that the funds would be used judiciously by deserving recipients. “We shall continue to do our best and collaborate with the community and other stakeholders to provide more community projects in line with our Community Development Agreement and Corporate Social Responsibility policy whenever funds are available,” he added.
The Mue Ter Gboko, His Royal Highness Ikpa Ahua, expressed gratitude to Dangote Industries for heeding the community’s request for a bursary increase. He reaffirmed the community’s commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with the company. “Many of our sons and daughters are gainfully employed by the company, earning their livelihoods. It would be unwise not to preserve the harmonious bond between the community and the company,” the monarch stated.
Comrade Orver Yongu, president of the Yion Development Association (YIDA), also lauded the company for its continued support. He highlighted the company’s financial contribution to the recent Yion Day celebration, describing it as a gesture of goodwill toward the host community.
Outgoing deputy general manager of the Social Performance Department, Dr. Eugene Ivase, assured the community of Dangote Cement’s continued dedication to their welfare. “We take whatever you say here seriously. From henceforth, things will only get better. We, however, still solicit the continued cooperation of the traditional rulers and elders of the community,” Ivase said.
The increase in bursary payments underscores Dangote Cement’s commitment to fostering development and strengthening ties with its host communities.
