Aliko Dangote Foundation on Thursday commenced the distribution of one million bags of rice worth N16 billion in all the 774 local governments areas of the country.
Over one million Nigerians nationwide will receive a 10kg bag of rice each.
The flag off signalled the Foundation’s launch of the 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project.
Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday in Kano, chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Aliko Dangote, said the distribution of one million bags of 10kg rice to the poor and most vulnerable Nigerians in the 774 local government areas is in line with the core values of his company and Foundation.
Dangote, who was represented by his daughter, Marya Aliko Dangote said : “This annual initiative, which embodies compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility, is part of our response to the current economic challenges facing our nation.
“It reflects our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values.”
He said the Foundation was kicking off the distribution in Kano State, after which it will proceed to other states.
Dangote promised to ensure that the food reaches those who need it most in all the Local Government Areas of Nigeria.
Dangote who is Africa’s wealthiest person said Food remains a basic human necessity, and this is why the Aliko Dangote Foundation adopted the practice of embarking on a food distribution programme across the States.
“We are collaborating with state governments to ensure that the food reaches the most vulnerable individuals in each state.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our Foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians through support for projects which tackle hunger and water supply problems, strengthen the quality and scope of health and education, and promote economic empowerment at the community level.
“Your excellency, I believe that today’s event will help in tackling hunger and helping the most vulnerable people in breaking their fast.
“We are playing our role in enhancing the living conditions of our people.
“I urge other industrialists and firms to lend a helping hand in combating hunger through programmes and initiatives that will place food on the tables of vulnerable Nigerians.
“This job should not be left to the government alone, rather we need a public private partnership that will help us in fighting the scourge.
“I commend the government at all levels for efforts in addressing the food crisis.
“I am certain that with time, we shall overcome these challenges, therefore let us support the government to achieve its target of a better life for Nigerians, “ he said.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, who flagged off the Annual National Food Intervention Project said it reflects the unwavering commitment of Mr. Dangote in addressing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Aminu Abdulsalam Gworzo said 120,000 bags of 10kg rice will be distributed across the 44 Local Government Areas of the State.
He described Mr. Dangote as humane, adding that: “A similar event took place last year where he personally oversaw the distribution of food stuff to the poor in this very arena.”
To ensure transparency in the distribution process, he said the state government has set up a committee comprising of relevant ministries, CSOs, religious leaders, departments and agencies, local authorities, the Hisbah Board and security agencies.
Speaking to newsmen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, said the Annual National Food Intervention Project is a way of giving back, and supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
She said Mr. Dangote is passionate about philanthropy and committed to ensuring that hunger is wiped out or reduced to the minimum in Nigeria.
“We are going to other states to distribute the products, but we’ve just flagged off in Kano,” she told newsmen on the sideline of the Kano Government House, venue of the flag off.
The Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah Board in Kano, Dr. Mujahid Aminudeen, thanked the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the initiative, calking on more Nigerians to emulate Mr. Dangote in the humanitarian cause.
He said the Hisbah Board will ensure that the products reach the targeted beneficiaries.
Representative of the poor and vulnerable, Ibrahim Ahmed thanked Mr. Dangote while praying God to help him in his businesses.
The ADF has been at the forefront of tackling and ameliorating the impact of natural disasters and health challenges in Nigeria and the rest of the world.
ADF donated N153million to boost Nigeria’s fight against Ebola Virus Disease in 2014, $3million to the African Union (AU) to help combat the scourge, and N66.66 million to install thermal scanning systems and cameras at Nigeria’s 4 international airports.
During the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also donated N2billion to the CACOVID Fund, a Private Sector task force in partnership with the Federal Government, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) with the sole aim of combating Corona virus (COVID-19) in Nigeria.
In support of education, we donated a N1. 2bn modern business school edifice to the Bayero University, Kano, a fully equipped 2,160-bed capacity hostel complex to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a N300 million building to University of Ibadan Business School.
Beyond the shores of Nigeria, Aliko Dangote Foundation has also recorded milestones with a donation of $1million, to lift victims of two earthquakes that devastated Nepal.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
