News
Dangote Cement Gboko rolls out multi-million Naira empowerment programmes for six Benue host communities
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
There were celebrations on Wednesday as Dangote Cement Plc flagged off three multi-million-naira empowerment programmes for farmers, women and youths in its six host communities in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
KANO FOCUS reports that women sang and danced, farmers applauded and youth groups cheered as the company announced a new round of support aimed at helping beneficiaries expand their businesses, improve agricultural productivity and acquire vocational skills.
The programme will benefit residents of Tse-Kucha, Quarry, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur and Pass Brothers communities in Benue State.
Under the scheme, 150 women will receive cash grants to support their businesses, 52 farmers will be provided with agricultural inputs, and 30 young people will undergo skills development training.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, commended the Dangote Group for the new feat, and sustained investments in the development of its host communities.
Represented at the event by Mrs. Usman Adijatu, the minister said the Federal Government is proud of the significant social and economic contributions of Dangote Cement Plc in Benue State and across Nigeria.
He noted that the company’s community-focused interventions complement the government’s efforts to promote inclusive growth, reduce poverty and create sustainable livelihoods in mining and industrial host communities.
Dr. Alake urged the beneficiaries to make prudent and productive use of the agricultural inputs, cash grants and vocational training opportunities provided by Dangote Cement, stressing that the support should serve as a springboard for long-term economic empowerment and self-reliance.
Also speaking, the Head of Social Performance, Pan-African Operations, at Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to implementing Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, developed jointly by the company, government and host communities under the Community Development Agreement(CDA)framework.
He described the six host communities as peaceful and supportive, and urged them to sustain the harmonious relationship that has enabled the successful implementation of numerous development programmes.
Mr. Olayiwola also commended members of the CDA Consultative Committee for conducting a transparent and credible beneficiary selection process, noting that their diligence had helped ensure that the interventions reached deserving members of the communities.
The Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Engr. Abhijit Dutta, said the initiative is part of the company’s efforts to improve livelihoods in communities where it operates.
He said the company sees its host communities as partners and believes business growth should go hand in hand with community development.
“Our host communities are not just neighbours; they are valued partners in progress,” he said.
Mr. Dutta said the programme is part of a five-year Community Development Agreement (CDA) that began in 2025 and is intended to ensure that all six communities benefit from the company’s social investment programmes.
He said the interventions were designed to promote self-reliance, reduce poverty and create sustainable economic opportunities.
According to him, the company will also launch a scholarship scheme for students from the host communities in the coming months.
Mr. Dutta said the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, is committed to improving the welfare of communities hosting the Group’s operations.
He noted that more than 230 people benefitted from similar programmes last year and said the company plans to continue the initiative throughout the duration of the current CDA.
Mr. Dutta also said several projects under the agreement are already in progress and that all outstanding projects are expected to be completed this year.
He urged beneficiaries to use the support responsibly, especially the women receiving cash grants, and to invest the funds in their businesses.
The company thanked community leaders, traditional rulers and youth groups for maintaining peaceful relations with the plant, saying continued cooperation would help sustain development and shared prosperity in the area.
The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plc, Dr. Johnson Kor, said the company operates a broad range of community development and empowerment initiatives designed to enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of its host communities.
Also speaking at the event, the paramount ruler of the Gboko communities, the Ter Gboko, HRH Gabriel Shosum, praised Dangote Cement for its sustained commitment to the welfare and development of his people, describing the company’s interventions as both impactful and commendable.
He assured the company of the continued goodwill and cooperation of the host communities, noting that they would remain strong ambassadors of Dangote Cement.
The royal father also urged community members to maintain peace and continue supporting the company so that they can derive even greater benefits from its social investment initiatives.
The company had said earlier that the selected youths will be trained by the Industrial Training Fund(ITF).
Nura Abdullahi
The Kano State Police Command has handed over two recovered vehicles to their rightful owners following intelligence-led operations.
KANO FOCUS reports that the recovered properties, comprising an orange Vibe motor vehicle and an ash-coloured Haojue motorcycle, were formally handed over to their owners at the Command Headquarters in Bompai, Kano, during the week.
The command disclosed this in a press release issued on Friday, by its Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.
According to the statement, the handover followed the completion of ownership verification, authentication of relevant documents and other necessary procedures.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the police, commending the command for its professionalism, commitment to justice and prompt return of their properties.
They described the recovery and handover as evidence of responsive and people-friendly policing.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, congratulated the owners and said the exercise aligned with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The vision, according to the statement, emphasises the protection of lives and property, the return of recovered stolen property to victims of crime, and the promotion of public trust through transparent and accountable service delivery.
CP Bakori assured residents that the command would continue working to improve security across Kano State and ensure that recovered stolen property was returned to its legitimate owners after due verification.
The police urged anyone seeking further information to contact the investigating police officer on 08140081608 or visit the office of the Police Public Relations Officer at the Bompai Police Headquarters, Kano.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Kano State Chapter, will hold its leadership election on Saturday, October 10, 2026, to elect new executives for the association.
KANO FOCUS reports that the election will take place at the Social Welfare Department, Gyadi-Gyadi Court Road, Kano.
Ahead of the exercise, the Chairman of the JONAPWD Kano State Chapter Electoral Committee, Malam Yusha’u Ibrahim Kofar Waika, has urged members, accredited delegates and representatives of the various disability clusters to arrive at the venue on time.
He said punctuality and adequate preparation were necessary to ensure a smooth and orderly electoral process.
Kofar Waika also called on all disability clusters to make the necessary arrangements and participate actively in the election.
The exercise is expected to usher in a new leadership for the association in Kano State.
The election is an important step towards strengthening democratic participation, unity and inclusive leadership among persons with disabilities in the state.
It is also expected to support effective representation and advocacy for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Imam Nura Garba Mato has urged Muslims to remain conscious of their actions, saying that divine reward and punishment often correspond to the nature of people’s deeds.
KANO FOCUS reports that the imam made the call while delivering a Friday sermon at Jami’u Ansar wal Muhajirun Jumaa Mosque, Cotton Ginnery Layout, Zawaciki, Kano State.
The sermon, titled “Al-Jazā’u Min Jinsil-‘Amal” (Recompense Is According to the Nature of Deeds), focused on the Islamic teaching that people’s actions have consequences and that good deeds attract divine reward.
Imam Mato said Allah had established enduring principles in human life that do not change, urging Muslims to understand these principles and allow them to guide their conduct.
He explained that one of these principles was that recompense corresponds to the nature of one’s actions, stressing the importance of living righteously and fulfilling one’s responsibilities to Allah and fellow human beings.
The imam called on Muslims to observe *taqwa* (consciousness of Allah), remain steadfast in their faith and follow the teachings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
He also highlighted the importance of helping people in difficulty, easing the burdens of others and showing compassion to fellow Muslims.
Quoting a prophetic tradition, the imam emphasised that whoever relieves a Muslim of a hardship in this world will receive relief from Allah on the Day of Resurrection.
He further explained that whoever conceals the faults of a fellow Muslim would receive Allah’s concealment of their faults on the Day of Resurrection, while those who make things easier for people in difficulty would receive Allah’s assistance in this world and the Hereafter.
The sermon also underscored the importance of supporting others, noting that a Muslim’s relationship with Allah should be reflected in their treatment of fellow human beings.
Imam Mato urged Muslims to reflect on their deeds and recognise that their conduct carries consequences, encouraging them to embrace good actions, assist those in need and uphold the teachings of Islam in their daily lives.
He stressed that Muslims should make righteousness, compassion and service to others central to their lives in pursuit of Allah’s pleasure and success in the Hereafter.
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