The Aliko Dangote Foundation, in partnership with the Niger State Government, on Tuesday distributed 25,000 bags of 10kg rice to vulnerable households across the 25 local government areas of the state.
The distribution exercise was inaugurated by the wife of the governor, Fatima Bago, at the Government House in Minna.
Bago described the intervention as timely, saying it demonstrated the impact of collaboration between philanthropic organisations and the government in supporting vulnerable persons.
She said the donation would provide relief to many households and make the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration memorable for beneficiaries.
The governor’s wife commended the Foundation for the gesture and urged officials to ensure the rice reached the intended beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ahmed Hashimu, General Manager of Dangote Industries Limited, Abuja Office, said the intervention was aimed at bringing succour to vulnerable households in the state.
Hashimu added that the Foundation had continued to implement interventions in critical sectors, including education and health.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Dauda, lauded the Foundation and urged it to sustain the humanitarian support.
In her remarks, Hadiza Idris, Commissioner for Women Affairs, said such interventions reassured citizens of the government’s commitment to improving their welfare through partnerships with well-meaning organisations.
Some beneficiaries who spoke with reporters expressed appreciation to the Dangote Foundation and the Niger State Government for the support.
Symbolic presentations of rice bags were made to selected beneficiaries at the event.
