Determined to support the governments in its food security effort, the Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State.

The initiative is aimed at enabling 50 farmers to produce subsistence and cash crops in commercial quantity from Benue State, considered to be the food basket of the nation.

The programme is coming barely two months after the company empowered businesswomen in Gboko host communities of the State with cash grants, thus deepening business activities in the State. Earlier, the company had increased bursary payments to students of host communities by more than 100 per cent.

Speaking Thursday at the launch of the Farmers Empowerment Programme, General Manager Social Performance, Johnson Kor, described the programme as ‘historic and innovative.’

He said the beneficiaries were selected from the company’s host communities of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to him, the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the six catchment areas of the Local Government.

Mr. Kor said the projects have been earmarked for the communities as captured in the extant Community Development Agreement (CDA), adding that the contents of the CDA are progressively being executed.

“Today we are witnessing an historic occasion in our journey of mutual development. Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first programme to be launched since we signed the CDA with the immediate host communities in December 2024,” he said.

In his speech, Plant Director, Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan, said the company will also support farmers with fertilizers, Agro chemicals, Knapsack Sprayers and various types of seedlings.

Mr. Murugan who was represented by Head of Production Department, Engr Soom Kiishi said: “This is the first batch but certainly just the beginning, and certainly not the end. We plan it to be an annual event, but the choice of the Farmers programme may change, depending on the choice of the benefiting communities.”

He said other economic empowerment programmes are lined up in the coming weeks.

“The Youth Empowerment Programme will soon be launched, and selected beneficiaries will receive training in Welding & Fabrication, and Solar Electrical Installation from Professional personnels,” he added.

He said the company’s scholarship scheme cuts across students from various disciplines and tertiary institutions.

In his address to the communities, Consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, Dr. Ahemen Aondoaver Samuel, advised the beneficiaries to make use of what he described as a rare opportunity from the Dangote Cement Plc.

The Consultant said the company’s effort will help transform beneficiaries into entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector and enable them to support the government’s food security effort.

Responding, a member of the community, Kwaghgba Isaac, described the Farmers Empowerment Programme as a historic and huge intervention from the company, noting that the effort will not only boost subsistence farming, but help feed the nation.

He urged members of the communities to sustain the peaceful coexistence currently being enjoyed with the company.

In today’s fast-moving world, everyone needs a smartphone that not only keeps up with their daily routine but also makes life easier. That’s exactly what the new itel City 100 offers. As the first smartphone in the all-new itel City Series, the City 100 delivers a perfect mix of sleek design, smart features, and powerful performance—all at an affordable price.

But what truly sets the itel City 100 apart is its AI capability. Designed to bring “The Future in Your Palm,” this device is packed with AI-powered features that simplify everyday tasks and boost productivity, whether you’re a student, a professional, or a tech lover.

Smart AI, Smarter Life

The itel City 100 comes with itel AI, a collection of intelligent tools designed to make your smartphone smarter than ever. With AI Picture, taking great photos is now automatic. The phone automatically adjusts settings like brightness, contrast, and exposure to give you the best shot, even in difficult lighting conditions.

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Big Power, Big Screen, Big Fun

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Great Value for Money

The City 100 is officially available at itel Home Stores (https://bit.ly/4hzIfmG) nationwide and goes for ₦119,300 – 128GB + 18GB. Plus, if you’re on Airtel, you get 3GB data on every ₦1000 rechargeand a massive 7GB bonus when you buy with EasyBuy installment plan as part of our launch offer. That’s an interesting combo!

Verdict

The itel City 100 is more than just a phone – it’s your smart assistant, your personal camera expert, your entertainment hub, and your remote control, all rolled into one. Thanks to its AI-powered features, it helps you do more with less effort and keeps up with your everyday hustle.

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itel, one of Africa’s leading smart technology brands, cemented its place as a powerhouse in mobile innovation with a triple win at the prestigious Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards. The annual event, hosted by Nigerian Communications Week, held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, saw itel taking home three top honors for its revolutionary products: the Power 70 smartphone, City 100, and BudsFit 5.

itel Power 70: Most Innovative Smartphone of the Year

Making waves in the mobile industry, the itel Power 70 earned the coveted title of Most Innovative Smartphone of the Year. As Nigeria’s first smartphone boasting a massive 10,000mAh battery capacity — a combination of a 6,000mAh built-in battery and an innovative 4,000mAh charging case — the Power 70 is redefining power efficiency and on-the-go durability. Its IP54-rated water and dust resistance and reverse charging functionality make it a reliable companion for users who demand long-lasting performance without compromise.

itel City 100: Customer Choice Mobile Phone of the Year

Similarly, itel’s customer-centric approach was validated as the City 100 clinched the Customer Choice Mobile Phone of the Year award. Designed with Gen Z city dwellers in mind, the City 100 is as stylish as it is functional. Standout features like a first-of-its-kind magnetic speaker, DeepSeek AI integration, and a built-in infrared remote control cater to the dynamic, connected lifestyle of modern urban users – all at an affordable price point.

itel BudsFit 5: Most Attractive Mobile Accessory of the Year

For rich sound lovers, fashion-forward users and enthusiasts alike, the itel BudsFit 5 was honored as the Most Attractive Mobile Accessory of the Year. These sleek wireless earbuds combine style with performance, boasting AI-powered noise cancellation, IP54 water resistance, and an impressive 32-hour total playtime – making them the perfect accessory for music lovers on the move.

A Landmark Moment for itel

Speaking at the event, itel’s representatives expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to democratizing technology through innovation, affordability, and style.

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Echoing the sentiment, Terngu Simeon Shagba, Public Relations Supervisor, itel Mobile Nigeria, added: “This triple recognition is not just a win for our brand, but a win for every user who believes in the power of affordable technology. We’re incredibly grateful to our customers and the ICT community for trusting our vision. This triple win reaffirms our mission to create smart, stylish, and power-efficient devices that meet the evolving needs of our users”

Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards is one of the most respected platforms celebrating contributions to the development of information and communication technology (ICT) in Nigeria. itel’s success at this year’s edition underscores its growing impact in shaping the future of digital life across Nigeria and the African continent.

For more information about itel products and upcoming innovations, visit https://www.itel-life.com/ng/itel-home/itel-home-products

About itel

Established over 15 years, itel is a reliable smart life brand for everyone. Adopting “Enjoy better life” as its brand philosophy, itel’s mission is to provide budget-friendly consumer electronic products and lifestyle products to everyone. It democratizes technology by giving entry to technology and connections to consumers without prior access to it. After more than 15 years’ development, itel has expanded its presence in more than 80 emerging markets globally. itel has a product portfolio of smartphones, accessories, electrics, home appliances, and lifestyle products and in 2024 it ranked No.1 Global Smartphone brand under $75 and No.1 feature phone brand. https://itel.com.ng/