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Group Photograph of some of the farmer beneficiaries with guests and members of management of Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese plant after the Agric Inputs presentation during the Dangote Cement, Ibese 2024 Farmers Empowerment Programme held at Ibese, Ogun state. |
In a bid to bolster food production and support the socio-economic growth of its host communities, Dangote Cement's Ibese Plant has once again donated essential agricultural supplies to local farmers.
This initiative is a key component of the company's comprehensive empowerment program aimed at ensuring food security for the community.
As part of an annual tradition, 60 farmers from the 17 host communities surrounding the cement plant received vital agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, herbicides, and knapsack sprayers.
During the presentation event at Ibese, the farmers also received training on "Integrated Pest Management and Crop Protection," which covered the application of the donated inputs as well as general pest management and crop protection techniques.
Director of the Ibese Plant, Roy Uttam, explained that this donation is part of Dangote Cement's social investment drive, which focuses on four key areas: Education, Health, Empowerment, and Infrastructure.
He emphasised that the company’s community investments and their positive impacts on local residents demonstrate Dangote Cement’s commitment to adding social value to its host communities.
“Today, sixty farmers across our 17 host communities are being trained on the theme ‘Integrated Pest Management and Crop Protection’ and each will go home with 2 bags of 50KG NPK 15:15:15 and Urea Fertilizers, 3 litres of Force Up Herbicide and 15 litre capacity Knapsack Sprayer.”
According to him, the gesture aimed to enhance the productivity of the participating farmers, strengthen food security, and boost revenue across the agricultural value chain in the host 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.”
Mr. Uttam, among other things, noted that climate change and extreme weather conditions have significantly impacted crop production and agricultural pests. He highlighted that inconsistent rainfall this year has negatively affected farmers' productivity in the first planting season.
Experts predict that these challenges may continue to impact food harvests in 2024 and beyond.
He noted “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.”
Recalling past support initiatives, Uttam revealed that since the start of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) in 2022, 180 farmers from the Ibese Plant's host communities have received training, farm inputs, and tools. These efforts have had a significant impact on the local economy. He assured that the Cement Company is committed to continuing its support for farmers across the host communities.
To maximize the positive impact of Dangote Cement’s contributions to enhancing farmers' productivity, he urged the beneficiaries to utilize the provided resources to expand their farms.
Chairman of the communities’ representatives, Dayo Ogunyinka, expressed gratitude to Dangote Cement's management for the intervention. He highlighted that the farmers' empowerment comes at a critical time, as nearly 80 percent of the incomes in these communities are spent on food.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Farmer Waheed Orisatola from the Abule-Oke host community assured that the farmers would honour Dangote Cement's support and use the implements as intended.
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