The President of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has flagged off the distribution of one million bags of rice across Nigeria with 120,000 bags distributed in Kano State under the Foundation’s National Food Intervention Programme.
The distribution of the food item that will cost a total of N15 billion started with Kano on Saturday due to its large population and level of poverty.
Speaking at the event which took place at the Government House, Dangote stated that the gesture is in response to the current economic challenges facing the nation, as well as a testament of his support to the communities.
“We are here in Kano to flag off the distribution of over 1 million 10kg bags of rice, targeting over 1 million of the most vulnerable persons across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria at the cost of over N15 billion.
“The allocation will be given to Kano State because of the large population and level of poverty, we will give 120,000 bags.
“This initiative is part of our response to the current economic challenges facing our nation, and it is a testament to our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values.
“We will begin this humble endeavour in Kano State and Lagos State from today, recognizing the urgency in providing immediate relief to those in need.
“Our goal is to extend our reach across all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in ensuring that as many of our fellow Nigerians as possible beneficiaries.
“This distribution of rice is another demonstration of our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are the core of our humanity.
“This initiative is in addition to our other existing and ongoing feeding programs, such as our daily feeding program for 10,000 vulnerable people in Kano state which has been running since 1990,” he stated.
Receiving the items on behalf of the state, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf hailed Dangote and called on other well to do individuals in the state to emulate him.
“Let me say that I am deeply honored to stand before you today on this occasion where we celebrate the generosity and compassion of our brother, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON), President of Dangote Group of Companies and a well renown philanthropist, who on behalf of the group, is today graciously donating 120,000 bags of 10kg bags of rice to the good people of Kano State.
“This is to help in feeding the vulnerable people during this blessed month of Ramadan.
“Let me say that this is not the first time that he has demonstrated willingness to support the good people of Kano state in times of need. In fact, this act of kindness especially in this month of Ramadan exemplifies the spirit of unity, compassion and support that we must foster in our communities especially during these challenging times.
“Many people are in serious need of support, which as he rightly pointed out, the government alone cannot shoulder, hence this gesture by Alhaji Aliko Dangote is worth emulating,” Governor Yusuf said.
