*Says CSR Initiative signposts Dangote’s Commitment to Community Education Empowerment
In furtherance of its commitment to educational development and community empowerment, leading Pan-African Cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement Plc, has made a huge donation of education materials to public Schools in Lagos, an initiative aimed at fostering academic success and societal progress.
Dangote Cement Group Managing Director, Arvind Pathak, who was represented by the Group Head, Social Performance, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola during the donation of multi-million Naira school supplies to students of the schools in Lagos Island reiterated the Company’s dedication to education, empowerment, and community development through a major school support.
According to him, the event goes beyond just distributing school supplies; “it reflects a deep-seated belief that every child deserves the tools to learn, grow, and dream. “Education is the cornerstone of progress. It opens doors, builds character, and lays the foundation for a brighter future.” he stated.
He said the educational empowerment which is an annual programme is a part of the Company cherished Social Investments of Dangote cement and a demonstration of its corporate social responsibility drive.
The Cement Company, to the delight of the Students and staff of the schools donated 1,000 school bags, 1,000 dozen of 60-leaf notebooks, and 1,000 mathematical sets to students across the schools under Lagos State’s Education District III. The twin-event held within the premises of Boys Junior Academy; Girls Junior Academy as well as Ebute Elefun Junior High School, Adeniji Adele Road, Lagos Island and Epetedo Junior High School, Adeniji Adele Road, all in Lagos Island.
The effort, Mr. Pathak posited, complements previous interventions in 2023 and 2024, which included the provision of solar inverters for computer rooms, school desks, desktop computers, and the renovation of science laboratories and libraries in selected schools.
The company boss acknowledged the challenges faced by many families and schools in providing adequate learning materials saying: “by supporting schools in our neighboring communities, we are investing not only in the academic success of our children but also in the long-term prosperity of our society,” the statement added.
The Dangote Cement Chief Executive expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, District III, educators, parents, and volunteers for their partnership in nurturing the next generation. The initiative is set to become an annual event, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable educational development.
While addressing the excited students, he urged them to see the donated items as symbols of hope and encouragement: “Use them well. Study hard. Dream big and know that you have a community that believes in your potential”, he charged them. Kudos were also given to the teachers and school administrators for their tireless dedication to shaping young minds.
Also speaking during the event, Group Chief, HSSE & Sustainability, Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. James Adenuga, said the initiative was part of the company’s ongoing efforts to support communities across the country by identifying and responding to their most pressing needs. “We go to where the biggest needs are, no discriminatory approaches. Over time, we have reached various communities across the country,” Dr. Adenuga stated.
“This year, we focused on direct impact, touching students and their families, boosting their morale and giving them reasons to smile. What we are doing here today is replicated, in varying capacity, across our operating states.”
He explained that the company’s sustainability team consistently engages with key stakeholders, including schools, parents, and local authorities, to determine where interventions will have the most meaningful impact. “We try to connect with what people truly need, prioritize what we can afford, and keep ticking up the boxes. We are glad that this particular initiative brings smiles to the faces of the students, and we are happy about that,” he explained.
Principals of four of the schools including Mrs. Bello Afolake of Girls Junior Academy; Sobanke Rafiu of Boys Junior Academy; Mr. Kayode Ajala of Ebute-Elefun Junior High School and Mr. Taiwo Fatai of Epetedo Junior High School all expressed gratitude to the management of Dangote Cement Plc for the gesture describing the volume of the materials donated to the students as unprecedented.
They all expressed hope that the relationship will last long in task of building the educational capacity of Lagos state and development of the students as the future leaders.
