As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited have awarded scholarships to 460 students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions from its host communities in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State.
The company said the sheme had become a yearly event to contribute to the educational development of the people and position them rightly in the scheme of things in Lagos State and Nigeria in general.
The scholarships were presented to 443 secondary school pupils and 17 tertiary institution students.
Group Executive Director, Strategy, Capital Projects and Portfolio Development, Dangote Group, Devakumar Edwin, who made the presentation yesterday in Lagos, said the Group believes education is the passport to the future, stating that an investment in knowledge yields the greatest dividends for mankind.
He said the company had over the years supported the education sector by instituting scholarship award programmes.
According to him, this is part of the company’s education intervention initiative for indigenous students of host communities impacted by its businesses.
Edwin stated: “In 2019, we executed a pilot of the scholarship programme where 51 secondary school students from our 15 host communities here in Ibeju Lekki were awarded. However, we could not hold the second edition in the year 2020 due to the incidence of COVID -19 and its associated effects not only on businesses but (also) on every household.
“In 2021, 118 secondary school students and 19 tertiary institution students from our host communities were awarded the scholarship award and after a rigorous screening process this year, 443 secondary school students and 17 tertiary institution students have qualified for the scholarship award.”
While congratulating the beneficiaries, he charged them on academic excellence.
“Your achievements are a testament to your determination, perseverance and commitment to excellence. And we are honoured to celebrate your success with you today,” he added.
Edwin encouraged the awardees to make the most of the opportunities and strive for excellence always.
“Remember that your education is a gift, and it is up to you to make the most of it. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow, and do not be afraid to take risks. We are proud to support your education and future endeavours, and we look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in the years ahead. Congratulations again to all our scholars,” the GED charged.
He concluded: “With the continuous support of the people and the Lagos State government, we shall not relent in our efforts to be socially accountable while we positively impact our host communities. We look forward to a continuous peaceful and rewarding relationship with our host communities in Ibeju Lekki.”
On his part, the Onilekki of Lekki Land, Oba Liasim Ogunbekun, said the programme was a blessing to the community, lauding Dangote Group for the gesture.
“We appreciate Dangote Group because this is not their first time but their third scholarship edition to the host communities in Ibeju Lekki.
“I urge the beneficiaries to put in more effort in their academic pursuit and justify the amount being paid for the scholarship.
One of the beneficiaries of the City & Guilds Engineering training programme, Raheem Olukayode, thanked the Group for the opportunity to study and become an engineer to impact the society positively.
Also, the Head Girl of Community Senior High School, Magbon Segun, Ibeju Lekki, Sano Omolere, acknowledged that the scholarship had assisted their parents immensely in supporting their education.
Source: The Guardian
