Scores of qualified students from host communities in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State have been awarded bursaries by Dangote Granite Mines, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL).
This initiative underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, community upliftment, and sustainable development.
It also reinforces the Dangote Group’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and easing the financial burdens on local families.
It was gathered that the beneficiaries were chosen from the four major host communities of Ayebandele, Olorunmodu, Saliu Babarisi, and Idi Omo, reflecting the organisation’s dedication to inclusive growth.
The General Manager for Community Relations at Dangote Granite Mines, Mr Joseph Alabi, reaffirmed the mining firm’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility.
He disclosed that the beneficiaries include 40 tertiary-level students and 20 secondary school students, thus signalling Dangote Granite Mines’ robust commitment to both higher education and foundational learning.
He stated that the bursary scheme is part of a wide range intervention in Ijebu Igbo, which included the renovation of classrooms, development of health centres, the installation of solar-powered boreholes as well as social investments in sustaining cultural heritage of the people.
“The uniqueness of our bursary is such that it doesn’t stop as a one-off gesture; we continue to support the students throughout their study period,” Mr Alabi stated.
In his remarks, Mr Ademola Ariyo, who represented the paramount ruler, the Sopinlukale of Oke—Sopin, Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Mufutau Adesesan Yusuf, lauded the Dangote Group for its consistent dedication to community development.
“When you invest in the education of our children, you invest in the future of Ijebu Igbo,” the monarch said.
One of the recipients, Ms Zainab Ontilo, said, “This money would go a long way in ensuring I complete my tertiary education seamlessly.”