Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State, aiming to assist 50 farmers in growing both food and cash crops in large amounts.

A statement from the company highlighted that this initiative supports the government’s efforts to improve food security and boost business in the area.

At the launch of the programme, Johnson Kor, the General Manager of Social Performance, called it “historic and innovative”.

He stated that the farmers selected for this programme were carefully picked from the company’s host communities in the Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, specifically from six chosen areas.

The program assists farmers by offering fertilizers, agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, and a variety of seedlings.

Munusamy Murugan, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement at the Gboko Plant, said that the company intends to implement this program annually, with the flexibility to adapt it according to the community’s preferences.

This program started just two months after Dangote Cement generously supported businesswomen in the Gboko host communities. It included cash grants and a remarkable increase in bursary payments for local students by over 100%.

More empowerment programs are coming soon, especially a Youth Empowerment Programme that will offer training in welding, fabrication, and solar electrical installation.

Dr. Ahemen Samuel, the Consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, encouraged everyone to “take advantage of this chance,” pointing out that it will help them become agricultural entrepreneurs.

Kwaghgba Isaac, a member of the community, praised the program as a historic and important step forward that will boost subsistence farming and help feed the country.