ADF Assists 3,704 Students in Host Communities of Dangote Refinery and Fertiliser

The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), in partnership with Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited, has provided school uniforms, bags, sandals, and writing supplies to primary school students in communities surrounding its facilities located in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State.

This initiative, part of the Foundation’s educational support program, has alleviated the financial strain on parents by benefiting 1,323 primary school pupils, including those with special needs, during a five-day distribution exercise that marked the program's initial phase.

The schools that received these contributions include Local Government Primary School, Ilege; Okunraye Community Primary School; Idotun Community Primary School; Olomowewe Community Primary School; and Lekki Community Primary School.

Plans are underway to extend this program to secondary schools, increasing the total number of beneficiaries to 3,704 students. Alongside this, 443 students, comprising 33 enrolled in tertiary institutions, have been awarded scholarships, and vocational training initiatives are being introduced for the youth in these host communities.

Zouera Youssoufou, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, emphasized that this effort is aligned with its founder Aliko Dangote's commitment to foster education and cultivate future leaders.

"We believe education is the most effective means to change lives and communities. This initiative transcends mere provision of uniforms and other materials; it aims to ensure that every student in our host communities has a fair chance to learn and thrive by easing the financial burden on parents. Our dedication is enduring. By investing in these children today, we are sowing the seeds for future leaders who will shape Nigeria’s future," she mentioned.

Discussing the wider impact of the initiative, Mojisola Ogunleye, Head of Social Performance at Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, remarked that education is a fundamental element of the company’s strategy for community development.

Ogunleye elaborated that the first phase of the initiative benefits 3,704 students across four secondary schools and five primary schools, with the second phase planned to include scholarships and the distribution of textbooks and further educational materials.

She also mentioned that 443 students have been earmarked for scholarships, with 33 at the university level and 410 in secondary schools.

Additionally, Ogunleye revealed that 22 community youths with SSCE qualifications have been trained and certified in Electrical Engineering through the City & Guilds Certification Programme, with credentials officially issued from London.

Mrs. Adenigba Margaret Aderemi, Head Teacher of Local Government Primary School, Ilege, expressed gratitude to the Foundation for its support, noting that prior to this intervention, many students faced challenges with insufficient learning resources and faded uniforms.

She stated that this act would boost enrollment and participation in classrooms, explaining that some pupils had quit school due to shame over torn uniforms, while others took on menial jobs to afford essential school items.

"This assistance has significantly reduced the financial burden on numerous families. There will likely be an increase in enrollment as many children return to school due to this benevolence," she commented.

Aderemi described the program as a significant advance for education within the community and encouraged other organizations to follow suit.

Furthermore, the initiative has generated economic growth for local citizens. Ms. Aminat Aderonke Salabu, a tailor hired to make the uniforms, commended the Foundation for awarding contracts within the host communities.

"I have begun building a self-contained apartment and a shop on a quarter of a plot that I purchased, thanks to the profits I made from the first phase. I am thankful to the Foundation for empowering us to progress," she said.