The atmosphere at Idotun Community Junior High School in Lekki was filled with joy and excitement on Thursday as Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, in collaboration with Dangote Fertilisers Limited, awarded scholarships to 473 students. The beneficiaries came from 10 secondary schools and 7 tertiary institutions. To further support education, the company also donated 804 tables and chairs to secondary schools in its host communities of Ibeju-Lekki.
Students, parents, teachers, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the presentation of scholarship certificates, educational materials, and furniture. This initiative was part of the 5th Edition of the Dangote Scholarship Award Programme, showcasing the company’s dedication to community development.
Devakumar Edwin, Group Vice President of Oil & Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, emphasized the shared vision between the company and its host communities. “Education, as we all know, is the passport to the future. At Dangote, we believe that education is not just a privilege but a right that every child deserves. This belief has fueled our dedication to supporting students and schools in our host communities since the year 2019 when we launched the Scholarship Award Programme as a key pillar of our Community Development Plan, with year-on-year progress,” he said.
Since its inception in 2019, the scholarship programme has grown significantly, starting with 56 students and now supporting 450 beneficiaries in 2024. Mr. Edwin praised the students for their hard work and encouraged them to use the resources provided to achieve their dreams. He also highlighted the donation of furniture as part of the company’s effort to create a conducive learning environment for students to thrive.
Addressing the scholars, he said, “Your dreams, aspirations, and hard work inspire us to continue making a difference. As you embark on your academic journeys, remember that the support you receive today is a seed sown in fertile ground. Nurture it with dedication, perseverance, and a spirit of excellence, and it will yield remarkable fruits in your future.”
The Managing Director of Dangote Industries Free Zone Development Company, Olayinka Akande, urged the students to uphold excellence and aim high, reminding them that dedication and diligence could help them achieve significant milestones in life. Similarly, Ogunleye Mojisola, Head of Social Performance at Dangote Petroleum & Petrochemicals, commended the programme for its growing impact. “The increase in the number of beneficiaries each year is a clear indication that the initiative is fulfilling its purpose, motivating students to study hard and achieve academic excellence,” she remarked.
Community leaders and representatives also lauded the company’s contributions. Chief Adewale Salami, representing the Oni of Lekki, expressed gratitude for the intervention and pledged the community’s continued support for Dangote Industries. Alhaji Wasiu Ayeola, Chairman of the Lekki Coastal Area Development Association, praised Aliko Dangote for transforming the region and investing in the community’s future through education.
Several beneficiaries shared their gratitude, highlighting how the scholarships and resources would ease financial burdens and inspire them to excel academically. Atibere Peter from Lagos State University, Dauda Omolara from Community Senior High School, and others expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to pursue their educational goals with fewer obstacles.
Through initiatives like this, Dangote Industries continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to empowering communities and shaping a brighter future for young Nigerians.
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