As part of efforts to enhance food production and improve livelihoods in its host communities, Dangote Cement Plc has provided agricultural inputs and training to farmers in communities surrounding its Ibese Plant in Ogun State.
The initiative was implemented under the company’s community development and social investment programmes, which benefited 60 farmers drawn from 17 host communities.
The farmers received essential farming inputs, including fertilizers, herbicides and knapsack sprayers to support crop cultivation during the farming season.
In addition to the distribution of inputs, the beneficiaries underwent training on Integrated Pest Management and Crop Protection, aimed at equipping them with modern farming techniques and best practices for improving yields and managing crop diseases and pests.
Speaking during the programme, the management of the Ibese Plant said the intervention forms part of Dangote Cement’s broader commitment to promoting sustainable development in its host communities through investments in education, healthcare, empowerment and infrastructure.
Kano first
The statement further added that the initiative was designed to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and increase income opportunities for local farmers while contributing to economic growth within the communities pointing out that the training component would help farmers adapt to emerging challenges in agriculture, including climate-related risks and changing weather patterns.
The company said similar interventions have been carried out over the years under its Community Development Agreement, with hundreds of farmers benefiting from capacity-building programmes and agricultural support aimed at improving farming outcomes and food availability.
Community representatives and beneficiaries commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, expressing optimism that the support would help farmers achieve better harvests, improve household incomes and contribute to addressing food security challenges in the area.
The programme further underscores the company’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with its host communities while supporting government efforts to drive agricultural development and rural economic growth.