Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited have awarded scholarships to 460 students of secondary schools and tertiary institutions from its host communities in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State.
The scholarship, which is part of their corporate social responsibility, was presented to 443 secondary school students and 17 tertiary institution students.
According to a statement from the companies, the scholarship had become an annual event meant to contribute to the educational development of the people and position them rightly in the scheme of things in Lagos and Nigeria in general.
The scholarship was presented by the Group Executive Director, Strategy, Capital Projects and Portfolio Development, Dangote Group, Mr Devakumar Edwin, who described education as the passport to the future, adding that an investment in knowledge yields the greatest dividends for mankind.
Edwin described the scholarship as part of the company’s education intervention initiative for indigenous students of host communities impacted by its businesses.
He said, “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 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.”
He congratulated the beneficiaries and enjoined them to continue to work hard at their studies, strive to achieve excellence in all that they do, and never stop giving their best.
“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 further encouraged the awardees to make the most of the opportunities and to always strive for excellence.
Also speaking at the presentation, the traditional ruler of Lekki, Onilekki of Lekki Land, Oba Liasim Ogunbekun, thanked Dangote Group for the scholarship which he described as a blessing to the communities.
