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In a strong show of commitment to education and youth empowerment, Dangote Cement Plc has donated thousands of school materials worth millions of naira to public schools in Lagos, reaffirming its dedication to advancing learning and community development.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Arvind Pathak, represented by Group Head, Social Performance, Wakeel Olayiwola, said the gesture reflects the company’s deep belief in the power of education to shape a better society.
“This event goes beyond just distributing school supplies; it reflects a deep-seated belief that every child deserves the tools to learn, grow, and dream,” Pathak said. “Education is the cornerstone of progress. It opens doors, builds character, and lays the foundation for a brighter future.”
He explained that the annual initiative is part of Dangote Cement’s cherished social investment programmes aimed at improving learning outcomes and empowering future generations.
At the event, held at Boys Junior Academy, Girls Junior Academy, Ebute Elefun Junior High School, and Epetedo Junior High School in Lagos Island, the company donated 1,000 school bags, 1,000 dozen notebooks, and 1,000 mathematical sets to students under Lagos State Education District III.
Pathak added that the effort complements previous interventions in 2023 and 2024, which included providing solar inverters for computer rooms, school desks, desktop computers, and renovating science laboratories and libraries in selected schools.
Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by many families, he said: “By supporting schools in our neighboring communities, we are investing not only in the academic success of our children but also in the long-term prosperity of our society.”
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He also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, District III, educators, and parents for their partnership in nurturing the next generation. Urging the students to make good use of the materials, he said: “Use them well. Study hard. Dream big and know that you have a community that believes in your potential.”
Speaking at the event, Group Chief, HSSE & Sustainability, Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. James Adenuga, said the initiative was part of the company’s broader effort to support communities by identifying and addressing their most pressing needs.
“We go to where the biggest needs are, no discriminatory approaches. Over time, we have reached various communities across the country,” Adenuga stated. “This year, we focused on direct impact, touching students and their families, boosting their morale, and giving them reasons to smile. What we are doing here today is replicated, in varying capacity, across our operating states.”
He noted that the company’s sustainability team consistently engages with schools, parents, and local authorities to ensure interventions deliver meaningful impact. “We try to connect with what people truly need, prioritize what we can afford, and keep ticking up the boxes. We are glad this particular initiative brings smiles to the faces of students, and we are happy about that,” he said.
In their remarks, the principals of the beneficiary schools — Mrs. Bello Afolake (Girls Junior Academy), Mr. Sobanke Rafiu (Boys Junior Academy), Mr. Kayode Ajala (Ebute Elefun Junior High School), and Mr. Taiwo Fatai (Epetedo Junior High School) — lauded Dangote Cement for what they described as an unprecedented gesture.
They expressed hope that the partnership would endure, helping to strengthen Lagos State’s education system and inspire the next generation of leaders.
