By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Odoba-Otukpa community in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State came alive on Tuesday as Dangote Coal Mines Limited commissioned and handed over two fully furnished classroom blocks to the community.
The education intervention included a block of three classrooms each at Odoba-Ogaje and Odoba-Ogicho, totaling six classrooms furnished with desks and benches, each with a capacity to seat 36 pupils.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Nuhu Noel Elujah, General Manager, Special Duties, who represented the company’s management, said the project was part of Dangote’s corporate social responsibility to its host community.
Elujah also disclosed that the company had awarded scholarships to 40 indigent students from the area in various tertiary institutions between 2020 and 2025, underscoring Dangote’s commitment to education and human capital development.
He appealed to the community to safeguard the facilities and avoid destructive protests, urging them to seek dialogue in line with the Community Development Agreement when airing grievances.
Representing the Chairman of Ogbadibo LGA, the Education Secretary, Mr. Anebi Michael, commended Dangote Coal Mines for its timely intervention.
He noted that some existing classrooms in the area were in a state of disrepair and in urgent need of attention.
Michael also encouraged parents to ensure the facilities are used appropriately and protected from rodents and reptiles while assuring that adequate teaching staff would be deployed once SUBEB’s new recruitment is concluded.
The Clan Heads of the community, Chief Patrick Ochekwu and Chief Ali Adukwu, on behalf of the people, expressed gratitude to the company.
They pledged continued cooperation and promised there would be no more protests from the youths, stressing their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Present at the ceremony were senior management staff of the company including Mr. Abrauna Keri, General Manager, Human Assets Management; Mr. Aluka Bem, Deputy Manager, Community Relations and Governmental Affairs; engineers and members of the Special Duties Unit.
Highlighting the handover, both parties signed official documents, and the classroom keys were presented to Chief Patrick Ochekwu.
The occasion was rounded off with vibrant cultural displays, including traditional music and dances performed by members of the community and Dangote staff.
