Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State, aimed at enabling 50 farmers to produce subsistence and cash crops in commercial quantities.

A statement from the firm stated that the initiative is part of the company’s efforts to support the government’s food security drive and deepen business activities in the state.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, the General Manager, Social Performance, Johnson Kor, described it as “historic and innovative”.

He said the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the company’s host communities in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, specifically from six catchment areas.

The programme includes support for farmers with fertilisers, agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, and various types of seedlings. According to the Plant Director, Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan, the company plans to make the programme an annual event, with flexibility to adjust based on community preferences.

This initiative comes barely two months after Dangote Cement empowered businesswomen in Gboko host communities with cash grants and increased bursary payments to students of host communities by over 100%.

Additional empowerment programmes are planned, including a Youth Empowerment Programme that will provide training in welding, fabrication, and solar electrical installation.

The Consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, Dr Ahemen Samuel, urged beneficiaries “to seize the opportunity,” noting that “it will help transform them into entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.

Kwaghgba Isaac, a member of the community, praised the programme as a historic and significant intervention that will boost subsistence farming and help feed the nation.