By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has commended Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant, for its sustained efforts in community development through agricultural empowerment.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, speaking through the Ministry’s Mines and Environment Compliance Officer for the South West, Mr. Mathew Ochimana, praised the company’s social investments as pivotal in driving economic growth and social cohesion in host communities.
The remarks were made during the handover ceremony of farm inputs to local farmers as part of the 2025 Farmers Empowerment Programme.
Ochimana urged beneficiaries to use the inputs responsibly to boost food production and warned against selling them, stressing the importance of the initiative to Nigeria’s food security goals.
In his welcome speech, the Ibese Plant Director, Ayyagari Subbaraidu, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting farmers with modern inputs to enhance productivity.
“We aim to help farmers cultivate both subsistence and cash crops at commercial scale through the provision of quality tools and training,” he said.
This year’s programme, themed *“Planting to Profit: Good Agricultural Practices for Cassava and Maize,”* is part of Dangote’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility efforts that include health, education, and infrastructure development. Subbaraidu noted that 240 farmers have been supported under the ongoing Community Development Agreement signed in 2022, leading to the cultivation of over 600 acres of farmland.
Each beneficiary received three 50kg bags of NPK fertilizer, two bags of Urea fertilizer, three litres of herbicide, a raincoat, and a pair of rain boots. Subbaraidu thanked community stakeholders for their cooperation in sustaining the plant’s operations and ensuring mutual socio-economic benefits.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Olusola Akinbode, hailed the company’s timely interventions and alignment with Ogun State’s food security agenda. He noted that such partnerships could transform Yewa into a regional food basket.
Chairman of the Community Joint Consultative Committee (CJCC), Dayo Ogunyinka, praised the initiative for its grassroots impact and consistency, calling it a “perfect intervention” for food security and rural development.
Farmer beneficiaries, including Iyabo Akintan and Olaleye Adekunle, expressed gratitude for the support, describing the inputs as a significant morale booster that would improve productivity and enhance livelihoods.
The event concluded with a training session on proper usage of the agricultural inputs to maximize farm yield and ensure sustainability.
