The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF)’s National Food Intervention programme began the distribution of 30,000 bags of rice for the economically vulnerable in Osun State over the weekend.
The state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who flagged off the distribution, expressed gratitude to Africa’s foremost industrialist and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the unwavering commitment to the well-being of the vulnerable as well as the fight against hunger and poverty in Nigeria and Africa.
Governor Adeleke said the distribution of 30,000 bags of 10 kg of rice to all vulnerable groups in all the local government areas of Osun state would go a long way in alleviating the food crisis facing them due to the food inflation ravaging the country and Africa at large.
Adeleke, who was represented by the state’s commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Otunba Tola Faseru, saluted Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the effort to support Osun state at this time of economic challenges impacting the vulnerable people in society.
According to him, “The distribution of these bags of rice to the indigents is a significant step towards addressing food security and poverty alleviation in the state. I must commend the efforts of the foundation again in making life meaningful to this set of people who need food assistance. Together, we can build a prosperous society for all”
He said that many vulnerable groups and their members will benefit from the rice distribution, particularly people with disability (PWD), the aged, motherless babies’ homes, youth groups, farmers, artisans and many more.
The governor emphasized the need for continuous collaboration with the foundation on initiatives that bring relief to the vulnerable in the country. He added that it is on record that his administration continues to provide relief to the people of Osun via several palliative initiatives.
Victor Ejiro, who represented the Aliko Dangote Foundation, said Osun state is “dear to the heart of our chairman Aliko Dangote and his foundation, hence the need to prioritize the state. He added that the foundation has continuously targeted one million vulnerable Nigerians in its Annual National Food Intervention Program. The 2025 rice distribution program, according to Ejiro, is targeted at beneficiaries in all the 774 local governments in Nigeria. He added that this is a direct response to cushioning the effect of the harsh economic conditions on the vulnerable.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Agriculture, Olaniran Akanfe Atidade, who also attended the distribution ceremony, described the foundation’s gesture as a significant effort towards food security and poverty alleviation. Representatives of various beneficiary groups were presented with their allocation of bags of rice, expressing their appreciation to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the invaluable gesture and support.
Recall that Aliko Dangote Foundation had in March commenced its 2025 National Food Relief Programme, aimed at distributing over 1,000,000 10kg bags of rice across the 774 local government areas of the 36 states and FCT in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Foundation, Aliko Dangote, had said that the initiative was a crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges faced by our nation.
“The rice distribution programme will commence in Kano and Lagos States with flag-off ceremonies before expanding to all the other 36 states and the FCT over the next two weeks,” he stated.
Dangote emphasized the importance of compassion and generosity during the holy month of Ramadan, when the distribution commenced, saying “the distribution of rice symbolises our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of our humanity.”
