Abayomi Susan
…Monarch Commends Company’s Decade-long Commitment to Community Development
Dangote Granite Mines, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), has further demonstrated its commitment to educational advancement and sustainable community development with the presentation of annual bursary awards to 60 students from its host communities in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.
The beneficiaries, comprising 40 tertiary institution students and 20 secondary school students, were selected from the four host communities of Ayebandele, Olorunmodu, Saliu Babarisi and Idi Omo under the company’s annual education support initiative.
The bursary presentation ceremony attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, parents, students and representatives of Dangote Granite Mines, highlighting the strong partnership between the company and its host communities, which has continued for over a decade.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager, Community Relations, Dangote Granite Mines, Mr. Joseph Alabi, described the bursary scheme as one of the company’s most impactful investments in the future of its host communities.
He noted that education remains a key driver of personal growth and societal development, stressing the importance of corporate organisations supporting young people in achieving their academic goals.
“Every year, we are delighted to support brilliant and deserving students from our host communities because we recognise that education is the foundation of sustainable development. These beneficiaries represent the next generation of leaders, professionals and change-makers who will contribute meaningfully to society,” Alabi said.
According to him, the bursary programme is part of Dangote Granite Mines’ broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy aimed at addressing critical community needs and improving the quality of life of residents.
Alabi highlighted some of the company’s interventions over the years, including classroom rehabilitation, provision of school furniture, healthcare support initiatives and the construction of solar-powered boreholes to improve access to potable water.
“Our commitment extends beyond annual bursaries. We have consistently implemented projects that improve access to education, healthcare and other essential services. Our goal is to ensure that our operations create lasting value and tangible benefits for our host communities,” he stated.
He added that the sustained relationship between Dangote Granite Mines and its host communities has been built on mutual trust, continuous engagement and a shared commitment to sustainable development.
The Community Relations General Manager further disclosed that the company is planning additional community-focused initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities and improving livelihoods across the beneficiary communities.
Commending the initiative, the Sopinlukale of Oke-Sopin, Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Mufutau Adesesan Yusuf, praised Dangote Granite Mines for its consistent commitment to community development and educational empowerment.
“For more than a decade, Dangote Granite Mines has consistently fulfilled its commitments to our communities through meaningful and impactful interventions. The annual bursary programme has become a source of hope and encouragement for many families, enabling students to pursue their educational ambitions,” the monarch said.
The traditional ruler noted that the company’s CSR activities have extended beyond education to include projects that have strengthened healthcare delivery, improved learning facilities and enhanced the general welfare of residents.
“The impact of Dangote’s interventions is evident across our communities. From classroom rehabilitation and furniture donations to healthcare and other development projects, the company has continued to demonstrate genuine concern for the wellbeing of our people,” he added.
Oba Adesesan attributed the peaceful and productive relationship between Dangote Granite Mines and its host communities to the company’s responsiveness to community needs and its inclusive stakeholder engagement approach.
“Our relationship with Dangote Granite Mines has remained peaceful and productive because the company consistently engages with the communities and honours its commitments. Today, we see Dangote not merely as a business operating within our environment, but as a trusted development partner and a member of our extended family,” he said.
The annual bursary programme has become one of Dangote Granite Mines’ flagship community development initiatives, reflecting the company’s belief that sustainable development begins with investing in people.
Through continued investment in education and community-focused projects, Dangote Granite Mines is strengthening its partnership with the people of Ayebandele, Olorunmodu, Saliu Babarisi and Idi Omo communities, while creating opportunities for future growth and prosperity.
Some of the student beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the company for the gesture, pledging to justify the confidence placed in them by maintaining academic excellence and making positive contributions to society.
