Dangote Industries, convinced that the knowledge of education is the foundation of development, continued to improve the education system of the country.
The importance of education cannot be overstated as development thrives through literacy. In addition, research has shown that only a properly trained workforce and an entrepreneurial class will have the skills and motivation to thrive as new technologies change the nature of work, recreation, the environment. and society and to meet the most pressing challenges of the African continent.
Likewise, the growth of any society depends on the level of education of its citizens. This is perhaps one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges, as available data indicates that 76 million adults, representing 38% of Nigeria’s estimated 200 million people, cannot read or write despite best efforts. increased to improve literacy levels in the country.
Recently, Dangote Oil Refining Company and Dangote Fertilizer Limited, two subsidiaries of the Dangote group, were commended for their community development model adopted to accelerate the improvement of education, training and youth development in some fifteen communities. reception around the Ibeju-Lekki region in Lagos State. .
Speaking at a recent scholarship award to 137 students from higher and secondary education institutions from the company’s 15 host communities, the Onilekki of Lekki Land, HRM Oba Olumuyiwa Ogunbekun said the commitment of Dangote in corporate social responsibility projects had started to yield positive results.
The scholarships were presented by the Executive Director, Strategy, Investment Projects and Portfolio Development, Dangote Group, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, to 19 higher education students and 118 high school students from the host communities of Ibeju-Lekki .
According to the monarch, the majority of young people who have benefited from Dangote Oil Refining’s skills training programs are now employed for pay by some of the company’s contractors, while others have become labor-intensive employers. of work.
He noted that the Dangote refinery project has become a blessing for all the host communities around Ibeju-Lekki.
Ogunbekun said the company had previously trained young people in Ibeju-Lekki in skills development, which covers a wide range of professional skills, including welding, electrical engineer, plumbing, auto mechanics, repairs. radio and television, refrigerator and air conditioning repairs, construction and furniture manufacturing.
He added that the company also donated a block of classrooms and educational materials to serve the Abejoye community in Ibeju-Lekki to provide quality education and a conducive environment for students.
Ogunbekun noted that the community development movement has shown that the company is determined to support host communities and significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of the locality.
He urged the recipients of the scholarship program to study hard and focus on their education in order to improve their lives and become worthy ambassadors of Ibeju-Lekki in the future.
Speaking about the scholarship, Edwin said the Dangote Group believes that education is the passport to the future and that an investment in knowledge pays the greatest dividends for humanity. He said the company has supported Nigeria’s education sector over the years by instituting scholarship programs.
According to him, this is part of the company’s educational intervention initiatives for Indigenous students from host communities impacted by its businesses.
He said: “In 2019, we executed a pilot scholarship program where 51 high school students from our 15 host communities here in Ibeju-Lekki were awarded. However, as 2019 drew to a close, COVID-19 hit the global community, leaving its indelible mark not only on businesses but on every home.
“As a result, we have not been able to institute the second edition of the scholarship program in 2020. As the curtain closes on 2021, we can only recognize the efforts that our researchers have made in their university studies, to obtain d ‘also excellent results, which qualifies them as recipients of this award.
“Therefore, after a rigorous selection process, 118 high school students and 19 students from higher education institutions in our host communities qualified for this scholarship. “
While congratulating the recipients, he urged them to continue to work hard in their studies, to strive for excellence in everything they do and to never stop giving the best of themselves. .
“With the continued support of the people and the government of Lagos State, we will not relax our efforts to be socially responsible while having a positive impact on our host communities. We look forward to an ongoing, peaceful and fulfilling relationship with our host communities in Ibeju-Lekki, ”said Edwin.
Meanwhile, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, which was established as a charitable foundation in 1994 by Aliko Dangote, has a mandate to realize Aliko Dangote’s vision of an Africa where people are healthier, better educated and more autonomous. A shift towards Africans helping Africans and Africans contributing even more to the world. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance opportunities for social change through strategic investments that improve health and well-being, promote quality education, and expand empowerment opportunities for individuals and communities.
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