*The Management of Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant donate farming inputs to host community farmers for increased food production in the host communities

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development (FMSD), has lauded the Management of Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant, in Ogun State of Nigeria, for the company’s contributions to the development of its host communities.

Alake said the company’s several social investments had succeeded in fostering economic development and social cohesion in the host communities in Nigeria.

The Minister spoke through Mr. Matthew Ochimana, Mines and Environment Compliance Officer for the South-West in the Ministry, during the handover of farm inputs to Ibese Host Communities鈥� Farmers on the occasion of the 2025 Farmers Empowerment Programme.

Ochimana stated that the Cement conglomerate has through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), such as the empowerment programmes, stimulated local economies, has created jobs, support local businesses and enhanced community infrastructure.

He also urged the farmers to make the best use of the farm inputs to boost food production.

The top official of the Ministry further cautioned them to avoid the temptation to sell the inputs as doing so would defeat the essence of giving them the items and would also run counter-productive to efforts at boosting food production within the communities.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Ayyagari Subbaraidu, Ibese Plant Director of Dangote Cement, had reiterated the company鈥檚 commitment to empowering the farmers as a critical segment of the population with farming inputs support in order to boost food production.

Said he: 鈥淲e provide modern farm inputs to help farmers enhance their productivity, enabling them to consistently cultivate both subsistence and cash crops at commercial scale.

“These inputs are donated to support better yields and offer a more modern, efficient farming experience.鈥�

Besides the empowerment programme for farmers with the theme: 鈥淧lanting to Profit: Good Agricultural Practices for Cassava and Maize鈥�, Subbaraidu said Dangote Cement was focused on creating positive impacts within its host communities by prioritising health, quality education, empowerment, and the provision of critical infrastructure to drive socio-economic development.

The Plant Director noted that 鈥渨ith the support of our stakeholders, some of whom are also here, we have achieved remarkable milestones, demonstrating that every limestone mined and every bag of cement manufactured comes with proportionate social value addition and support to the host communities.

鈥淚n the course of implementing the current Community Development Agreement signed in 2022, 240 farmers across our host communities have been empowered through training, farm inputs, and tools, contributing to the cultivation of over 600 acres of farmland and significantly boosting the local economy.鈥�

To cap Dangote Cement鈥檚 commitment to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the farmers for enhanced food security, and increased revenue across the agricultural value chain, Subbaraidu said that each of the beneficiaries will go home: with 3 bags of 50kg NPK fertilizer; 2 bags Urea fertilizer; 3 litres of Force-Up herbicide; 1 raincoat and 1 pair of rain boots.

鈥淭o all our community stakeholders, we say a big thank you for your invaluable collaboration in creating an enabling environment for our business to thrive.

“Indeed, it takes strong partnerships between the Plant and the communities to achieve socio-economic progress.鈥�

Also speaking, Olusola Akinbode, Chairman of Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, commended Dangote Cement for always rising to the occasion.

Akinbode expressed satisfaction with the timely intervention and commitment of the company to community development.

He also noted that the farmers鈥� empowerment programme is in tandem with the initiative of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State drive to ensure food security in the state.

The Chairman stated: 鈥淥ne of our targets is to ensure food sufficiency in the state.

“We did our own farmers鈥� empowerment in June and we distributed 11,000 cash crops, we are promising to up the number to at least 60,000 in 2026.

鈥淚magine if we have this and Dangote is supporting us with fertiliser, and other farm tools, very soon, Yewa will become a food basket to others.鈥�

In his remark, the Chairman of Community Joint Consultative Committee (CJCC), Dayo Ogunyinka, expressed satisfaction that the programme in its fourth edition has been very impactful.

Ogunyinka described it as a perfect intervention towards food security and economic growth.

He thanked the Dangote Cement for reaching out to the grassroots whom he described as the centre of community development.

One of the farmer beneficiaries, Iyabo Akintan from Ijako Orile host community appreciated the company for always coming through for local farmers. She stated that, 鈥渢his will bring upliftment and a better farming experience with gains to the society.鈥�

Another beneficiary, Olaleye Adekunle, described the gesture as 鈥渟oothing and moral boosting鈥� for farmers. 鈥淲ith the provision of fertilisers and other farm tools, working during rain and shine is now a possibility and we are really grateful that Dangote Cement, Ibese, has our interest at heart.鈥�

The beneficiaries were later taken through a session to educate them on how to make the best use of the inputs for maximum farm yields.

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