The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) is set to distribute food palliatives worth N15 billion across Nigeria, to cushion the rising hunger in the country.
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, launched the ADF Food Intervention Programme, in Kano on Saturday, with the disbursement 120,000 bags of rice in Kano State
The foundation is aiming to distribute over one million 10kg bags of rice across the 774 local government areas of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory(FCT) in the country.
The ADF said the initiative is a crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges.
The rice distribution programme which commenced in Kano with a flag-off ceremony will be expanded to all the other 36 states and the FCT over the next two weeks.
Speaking at the flag-off of the programme in Kano State at the weekend, the chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation and Group president of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, emphasised the importance of compassion and generosity during the holy month of Ramadan.
To him, ‘our distribution of rice symbolises our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of our humanity.’
Dangote said: “the ADF was disbursing 120,000 bags of rice in Kano alone. Kano, with over 20 million people is the most populated state in Nigeria, and the commercial nerve of the North. The disbursement is being handled by the Kano Hisbah Board.”
Group executive director, Commercial, DIL, Fatima Dangote, said, the company will not rest on its oars, and would continue to support poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
She stated that, “this programme marks the latest nutrition and humanitarian intervention by the Foundation, continuing its tradition of impactful philanthropy. Since the 1990s, the Foundation has been providing 10,000 cooked meals daily to the vulnerable in Kano State, reaching hospitals, schools, care homes, prisons, mosques, and individuals.”
Kano State governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf urged wealthy Nigerians to emulate Aliko Dangote by supporting the government in the provision of palliative measures to cushion the harsh economic condition in the country.
The governor said: “his administration has also procured grains in large quantities which will be distributed to all the 484 wards across the 44 local government areas of the state. We have also designated over 90 feeding centres across the eight metropolitan Local Government Areas where over 90,000 Muslims are being fed with breakfast daily.”
The commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Danjuma Mahmud, said ADF has brought huge economic relief in the state, assuring that the palliative will get to the intended beneficiaries.
“That is the reason the state security apparatus, Hisba Board is assisting ADF to actualise its objectives,” Mahmud said.
Recipients of the largesse in Kano, described the gesture as a divine intervention to improve their livelihoods.
Over the past decade, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has consistently provided direct humanitarian relief in response to unrest and conflict in the North-East region of Nigeria, as well as food relief to displaced communities in the North-West region. Its wider work over the last three decades spans nutrition and health, education, and economic empowerment, not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and the rest of the world through various policy, programme and project initiatives. In addition to carrying out direct interventions, the foundation works with federal, state and local governments, international development partners and institutions, local communities, and other philanthropists to deliver on its mission.
The Foundation urges all well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support and assistance to those who are less privileged or disadvantaged in society. It is only through sincere collective action and social responsibility that we can find lasting solutions to issues of inequality and poverty.
We further urge governments at all levels to intensify their efforts to improve the economic environment of Nigeria through the implementation of policies and initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. By creating a conducive environment for private enterprises to thrive, governments can stimulate investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship, which are essential for sustainable development and prosperity.
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