Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State, targeting 50 farmers that would produce subsistence and cash crops in commercial quantity.
This is coming barely two months after the company empowered businesswomen in Gboko host communities of the State with cash grants.
Speaking at the launch of the Farmers Empowerment Programme, General Manager, Social Performance, Johnson Kor, described the programme as ‘historic and innovative.’
He said that the beneficiaries were selected from the company’s host communities of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to him, the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the six catchment areas of the Local Government.
Kor said that the projects have been earmarked for the communities as captured in the extant Community Development Agreement (CDA), adding that the contents of the CDA are progressively being executed.
“Today, we are witnessing an historic occasion in our journey of mutual development. Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first programme to be launched since we signed the CDA with the immediate host communities in December 2024.”
Plant Director of the Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan, said that the company will also support farmers with fertilizers, Agro chemicals, Knapsack Sprayers and various types of seedlings.
Murugan, who was represented by Head of Production Department, Engineer Soom Kiishi said: “This is the first batch but certainly just the beginning, and certainly not the end. We plan it to be an annual event, but the choice of the Farmers programme may change, depending on the choice of the benefiting communities.”
He said that other economic empowerment programmes are lined up in the coming weeks.
“The Youth Empowerment Programme will soon be launched, and selected beneficiaries will receive training in Welding & Fabrication, and Solar Electrical Installation from Professional personnels.”
