Dangote Refinery Empowers Education: 473 scholarships awarded to local students

Photo shows L-R:  Alh. Wasiu O Ayeola, chairman, Lekki Coastal Area Development Association; Jaiswal Anurag, Director of Operations, Dangote Fertiliser; Chief M. Adewale Salami, Aro of Lekki kingdom, represent Oni Lekki of Lekki; Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin; Chief Mufutau Dauda, Baale of Magbon and Chairman of Baale's in Lekki, Director Clubs and Societies Education District 3, Rep. Of Perm. Secretary, Ajibola - Morebise Olubunmi on the occasion.

On January 16, 2025, Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, in collaboration with Dangote Fertilisers Limited, awarded scholarships to 473 students from ten secondary schools and seven tertiary institutions in the Idotun Community, Lekki. 

The company also donated 804 tables and chairs to local schools. 

Students, parents, and community leaders celebrated the scholarship presentation, which included educational materials like textbooks and notebooks, as part of the 5th Edition of the Dangote Scholarship Award Programme

Group Vice President of Oil & Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, remarked that the event symbolised a shared vision - a partnership between Dangote Industries and the host communities, designed to build a foundation for sustained growth, one that is rooted in education, innovation, and opportunity.

He further emphasised that the initiative is not merely a celebration of achievements but a reaffirmation of the group's commitment to nurturing potential, empowering communities, and shaping a brighter future for the leaders of tomorrow.

"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.

Praising the students for their academic dedication, which he acknowledged has resulted in remarkable growth over the years, Mr. Edwin highlighted the impressive year-on-year progress—from 56 students in 2019 to 450 beneficiaries in 2024. He stated that the company is deeply inspired by their determination and is confident that the resources provided will empower them to realise their dreams.

He also noted that the decision to donate the 804 tables and chairs to schools was part of the company’s broader commitment to enhancing the learning environment. This gesture, he emphasised, is a testament to the company’s dedication to ensuring that every child has access to a conducive environment for learning, where they can grow, dream, and thrive.

The Managing Director of Dangote Industries Free Zone Development Company (DIFZDC), Olayinka Akande, urged the beneficiaries to uphold excellence, which he identified as one of the core values of Dangote Industries Limited. Emphasising the importance of dedication and diligence, he encouraged the students to aim high, noting that with such attributes, some of them could rise to become governors, ministers, captains of industry, or even the next 'Edwin' in the future.

The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Petroleum & Petrochemicals, Ogunleye Mojisola, highlighted that the education intervention is one of the four pillars of the Community Development Plan, which was jointly designed with the community. Reflecting on the scheme’s success since its inception in 2019, Ogunleye expressed gratitude to the management for consistently providing the necessary resources to sustain the programme.

"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.

The Aro of Lekki Kingdom, Chief Adewale Salami, who represented the Oni of Lekki, conveyed his appreciation for the intervention, affirming that the company is helping to shape the future of the community. He also expressed the kingdom’s continued support for Dangote Industries Limited.

The Chairman of the Lekki Coastal Area Development Association, Alhaji Wasiu Ayeola, praised the founder and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, for transforming what was once a hunting ground of rabbits and lizards into a multibillion-dollar investment that benefits not only the local community and Lagos but also Nigeria and the world. He emphasised that education is the most effective way to shape the future of the community.

Several beneficiaries, including Atibere Peter from Lagos State University; Dauda Omolara from Community Senior High School, Magbon Segun; and Ganiu Ayomide from Community Senior High School, Akodo, among others, expressed their heartfelt gratitude. They noted that the scholarship and support would motivate them to study harder and alleviate the financial burden on their parents and guardians.

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