Dangote Cement’s Ibese Plant in Ogun State has once again extended support to local farmers with an aim to enhance food production and socio-economic growth within its host communities.
As part of its ongoing commitment to community empowerment, the company distributed essential agricultural supplies, including fertilizers, herbicides, and knapsack sprayers, to 60 farmers across 17 surrounding communities.
This initiative, now an annual empowerment program, aims to ensure food security for the region.
At the presentation event in Ibese, farmers were trained on “Integrated Pest Management and Crop Protection,” which covered the proper use of the donated inputs and general pest management and crop protection techniques.
Director of the Ibese Plant, Mr. Roy Uttam, explained that this donation is part of Dangote Cement’s Social Investment initiative, focusing on Education, Health, Empowerment, and Infrastructure.
Uttam noted that the company’s investments in local communities and the resulting benefits for residents reflect Dangote Cement’s dedication to enhancing the social welfare of its host communities.
He stated that the initiative was designed to increase the productivity of beneficiaries, improve food security, and increase revenue within the agricultural value chain in the communities.
“It is our hope that this intervention will positively impact the production of garri, fufu and kokoro, which are the major foods in the host communities,” he added.
Mr. Uttam also observed that climate change and extreme weather have taken a toll on crop production and increased agricultural pests.
He pointed out that inconsistent rainfall this year has hindered farmers’ productivity during the first planting season.
“Today’s gathering is twofold, because apart from the distribution of farm inputs, we have also engaged the services of an agricultural experts who will equip the farmers with information on best practices to remain resilient even in these times of uncertain climate trajectory,” he remarked.
Speaking on the company’s ongoing support for farmers in the host communities, Uttam revealed that since the inception of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) in 2022, 180 farmers have benefited from training, farm inputs, and tools. These efforts have had a positive impact on the local economy. He further assured that the company remains committed to supporting farmers across the host communities.
Uttam emphasized that the distribution of farm inputs highlights the strong bond between the Plant and the host communities. He noted that such empowerment programs can only flourish in a peaceful and stable business environment.
Uttam expressed gratitude for the support of the stakeholders, both young and old, and reiterated the company’s commitment to continuing its efforts to contribute to the socio-economic development of the local communities.
“We do not take the support of our stakeholders, both young and old, for granted and as committed in the CDA, we will continue to strive to complement the effort of the Government towards the socio-economic development of the local communities,” he said.
The Plant Director recognized the vital role farmers play in sustaining communities, highlighting that their relentless effort in cultivating the land is fundamental to human survival.
He urged the recipients to make the most of the resources provided to expand their farms in order to amplify the benefits of the company’s support.
He called on them to strive to make their communities the top food producers in Yewa and Ewekoro, thereby contributing to Ogun State’s agricultural success.
“I also implore you to also continue to get updated with new developments in the agriculture space and as much as possible, embrace the use of technology to remain competitive in this rapidly changing world,” he added.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Communities’ Representatives, Dayo Ogunyinka, expressed gratitude to Dangote Cement’s management for their intervention. He highlighted that the farmers’ empowerment comes at a crucial time, as nearly 80 percent of the incomes in these communities are spent on food.
Ogunyinka noted that the donated items would assist the farmers in achieving better yields and bumper harvests. He urged the farmers to take the training seriously to ensure proper use of the donated items.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, farmer Waheed Orisatola from the Abule-Oke host community assured that the farmers would honor Dangote Cement’s support and use the implements as intended.