Dangote Cement gives ₦32m scholarships to 80 Okpella students, installs four transformers

Dangote Cement has awarded scholarships worth over ₦32 million to 80 students from its host communities around its Okpella plant in Edo State, and installed four 500KVA transformers to improve electricity supply in the area.

The company said the projects were carried out under its Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the host communities. The event held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, and was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, students, parents, government representatives and company officials.

Of the 80 beneficiaries, 60 are undergraduates in tertiary institutions across the country and 20 are secondary school students from the host communities. Each undergraduate received ₦500,000, while each secondary school student got ₦100,000.

Why it matters

School fees and related costs have been rising for many Nigerian families, and the payments are expected to ease the burden on parents in Okpella and nearby communities. The transformers are meant to improve power distribution for homes, businesses and schools in the area.

Daniel Obamina, Social Performance Manager at the Okpella plant, said the scheme was part of the company's effort to invest in young people. "Dangote Cement believes that education is a powerful catalyst for development," he said, adding that the support should let students pursue their studies "without undue financial challenges."

Obamina said the company hopes the beneficiaries will become professionals and leaders who contribute to their communities and to Nigeria. On the transformers, he said reliable electricity supports businesses, learning and the general quality of life.

High Chief Peter Afiabor, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Host Communities, commended the company for keeping to its commitments under the agreement. He said the scholarships would provide financial relief to families, while the transformers would address electricity needs in the benefiting communities.

"Today's event is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through constructive engagement and partnership between a company and its host communities," Afiabor said. He urged the students to take their education seriously and use the money for its purpose.

Some beneficiaries and parents also thanked the company, saying the assistance would help with education costs at a time when prices are high.

The company described the projects as part of its wider social investment efforts to improve community welfare and youth development.