In a significant boost to educational development of its host communities, Dangote Granite Mines, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has provided bursary awards to scores of qualified students from host communities in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.
The initiative underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, community upliftment, and sustainable development.
It was a gathering of community leaders, enthusiastic students, supportive parents, and Management of the Dangote Granite Mines as the bursary awards were presented to student beneficiaries form the four major host communities of Ayebandele, Olorunmodu, Saliu Babarisi, and Idi Omo reflecting Dangote’s dedication to inclusive growth.
Speaking on the initiative and the company’s broader social interventions, Joseph Alabi, General Manager, Community Relations, Dangote Granite Mines, reaffirmed the organisation’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility. He disclosed that the beneficiaries include 40 tertiary-level students and 20 secondary school students, thus signaling Dangote Granite Mines’ robust commitment to both higher education and foundational learning.
He stated that the bursary scheme is part of a wide range interventions in Ijebu Igbo, which included the renovation of classrooms, development of health centres, the installation of solar-powered boreholes as well as social investments in sustaining cultural heritage of the people.
Mr. Alabi also highlighted the unique structure of the programme that ensures continuous support for beneficiaries. “The uniqueness of our bursary is such that it doesn’t stop as a one-off gesture; we continue to support the students throughout their study period,” he stated, emphasizing the value placed on continuity and academic improvement.
The initiative the Dangote Granite mines boss said reinforces the Dangote Group’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and easing the financial burdens on local families.
In his remark, High Chief Ademola Ariyo, who represented the paramount ruler, the Sopinlukale of Oke—Sopin, Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Mufutau Adesesan Yusuf, lauded the Dangote Group for its consistent dedication to community development. He highlighted the company’s positive responsives and beneficial relationship with the host communities, describing the education initiatives as a testament to a company that genuinely values the people it operates among.
“When you invest in the education of our children, you invest in the future of Ijebu Igbo,” High Chief Ariyo emphasized. He acknowledged that the bursary programme is one of many ongoing community development projects undertaken by the Company previous interventions in infrastructure and social welfare, which impact according to him, is evident across the communities.
The impact of the award was palpable among the excited recipients as Zainab Ontilo, a tertiary institute awardee, expressed immense gratitude, stating, “This money would go a long way in ensuring I complete my tertiary education seamlessly.”
Another ecstatic recipient, Enitan Haruna, noted, “I can finally concentrate fully on my education without having to worry about how my next tuition would be paid or how I will afford miscellaneous expenses.”
The ceremony ended with the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries.