By Sahel Reporters – Lagos
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, has commended the management of Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant, for its significant contributions to the development of its host communities, particularly in the area of farmers’ empowerment.
He described the company’s social investments as instrumental in promoting economic growth and social cohesion.
Speaking on the Minister’s behalf at the 2025 Farmers Empowerment Programme in Ibese, Mr. Mathew Ochimana, Mines and Environment Compliance Officer (South West) in the Ministry, praised the cement company’s corporate social responsibility efforts.
He said the company’s initiatives such as the farmers’ empowerment programme have stimulated local economies, created jobs, supported local enterprises, and improved infrastructure in the communities.
Mr. Ochimana urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the farm inputs, stressing that selling them would defeat the purpose of the initiative and undermine efforts to boost food production.
In his welcome address, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Ibese, Mr. Ayyagari Subbaraidu, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting farmers as a vital segment of the population.
According to him, the provision of modern farming inputs is aimed at increasing productivity and helping farmers cultivate both subsistence and commercial crops on a larger scale. “These inputs are provided to improve yields and offer a more efficient and modern farming experience,” he said.
This year’s empowerment programme, themed “Planting to Profit: Good Agricultural Practices for Cassava and Maize,” is part of a broader strategy by Dangote Cement to positively impact its host communities. Subbaraidu highlighted the company’s focus on health, education, infrastructure, and empowerment as key drivers of community development.
He noted that under the current Community Development Agreement (CDA) signed in 2022, 240 farmers across host communities have been empowered through training, provision of farm inputs, and tools leading to the cultivation of over 600 acres of farmland and a boost to the local economy.
To further support food security and enhance farmers’ productivity, each beneficiary received three 50kg bags of NPK fertilizer, two bags of Urea fertilizer, three litres of Force-Up herbicide, one raincoat, and a pair of rain boots.
Subbaraidu expressed appreciation to the community stakeholders, acknowledging their vital role in enabling the company’s success. “It takes strong partnerships between the Plant and the communities to achieve sustainable socio-economic progress,” he added.
Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Hon. Olusola Akinbode, also commended Dangote Cement for its timely and consistent interventions. He said the programme aligns with the Ogun State government’s goal of achieving food sufficiency under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
“We empowered farmers in June by distributing 11,000 cash crops, and we aim to reach at least 60,000 by 2026. With Dangote’s continued support, Yewa can become a major food hub,” he said.
The Chairman of the Community Joint Consultative Committee (CJCC), Dayo Ogunyinka, described the fourth edition of the empowerment programme as a timely and impactful intervention for food security and economic growth. He praised Dangote Cement for its commitment to grassroots development.
One of the beneficiaries, Iyabo Akintan from Ijako Orile community, expressed her gratitude, saying, “This initiative will uplift our farming practices and yield greater benefits for society.” Another beneficiary, Olaleye Adekunle, described the gesture as “soothing and morale-boosting,” noting that with the provided fertilisers and tools, working in all weather conditions is now possible.
The event concluded with a training session designed to help the farmers maximise the use of the distributed inputs and improve overall crop yield.
Sahel Reporters News
