Over one million Nigerians nationwide will receive a 10kg bag of rice each as the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) launched the 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project, valued at N16 billion, on Thursday.
Speaking at the ceremony in Kano, the chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr Aliko Dangote, said the distribution of one million bags of 10kg of 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, 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 while ensuring that the food reaches those who need it most in all the Local Government Areas of Nigeria.
Mr Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest person, said food remains a basic human necessity, which is why the Aliko Dangote Foundation embarked 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,” he added.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our Foundation focuses on improving Nigerians’ living conditions through support for projects that 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 today’s event will help tackle hunger and help the most vulnerable people break 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. Instead, we need a public-private partnership to help us fight the scourge.
I commend the government at all levels for addressing the food crisis. I am sure that with time, we shall overcome these challenges; therefore, let us support the government in achieving its target of a better life for Nigerians, “he said.
Governor Abba K. Yusuf of Kano State, who flagged off the Annual National Food Intervention Project, said the intervention reflects Mr. Dangote‘s unwavering commitment to addressing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gworzo, said 120,000 bags of 10kg rice would be distributed across the state‘s 44 Local Government Areas.
He described Mr Dangote as humane: “A similar event took place last year, during which he oversaw the distribution of foodstuffs to the poor in this arena.”
He said the state government has set up a committee comprising relevant ministries, CSOs, religious leaders, departments and agencies, local authorities, the Hisbah Board, and security agencies to ensure transparency in the distribution process.
Speaking to newsmen, Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, 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 eradicated or reduced to a 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, the flag-off venue.
The Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah Board in Kano, Dr Mujahid Aminudeen, thanked the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the initiative and urged more Nigerians to emulate Mr Dangote in the humanitarian cause.
He said the Hisbah Board would ensure the products reach the targeted beneficiaries.
Ibrahim Ahmed, a representative of the poor and vulnerable, thanked Mr. Dangote and prayed that God would help him in his businesses.
