The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has continued its nationwide food intervention program by donating 35,000 bags of rice to vulnerable people in Katsina State and 25,000 bags in Kwara State.
In Katsina, the distribution was flagged off at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium, where the Foundation’s representative, Mustapha Umar, announced that beneficiaries were carefully selected from the 361 wards across the state’s 34 local government areas.
According to Umar, the gesture is part of the Foundation’s commitment to easing the economic hardship Nigerians face, especially during Ramadan. He emphasized that the initiative, which will see one million bags of rice worth ₦16 billion distributed across the country, is a humanitarian effort to complement government initiatives.
“This year’s donation is targeting over one million vulnerable Nigerians to reduce their hardship due to the prevailing economic situation,” Umar said.
The Commander of the Katsina Hisbah Board, Dr. Aminu Usman thanked the Foundation, noting that the donation would provide significant relief to those in need. He also encouraged wealthy individuals and organizations to emulate the Dangote Foundation’s benevolent spirit.
Some beneficiaries, including physically challenged individuals, voiced their appreciation for the timely intervention. The distribution was supervised by officials from the state government, the Hisbah Board, and other community stakeholders.
Similarly, in Kwara State, the Foundation extended its outreach with a donation of 25,000 bags of rice. The event, held at the Ministry of Agriculture in Ilorin, was attended by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, representing Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
Alabi commended Aliko Dangote’s philanthropic commitment to alleviating the suffering of the vulnerable, particularly during Ramadan and Lent.
“This act of compassion will provide much-needed relief to those observing the sacred month of Ramadan and Lent,” Alabi stated.
The Foundation’s Group General Manager of Human Resources, Ahmed Gobir, reiterated Dangote’s dedication to fostering partnerships between the private and public sectors to mitigate economic challenges. He highlighted that Kwara received 25,000 bags from the one million-bag intervention, which aims to ensure food security nationwide.
“This initiative is not just charity. it demonstrates our commitment to empowering Nigerians through our four-pillar goals in nutrition, health, education, and empowerment,” Gobir added.
Kwara State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, AbdulAfeez Abolore, described the donation as historic and aligned with the state’s efforts to address food insecurity. He praised the Foundation’s dedication to improving the lives of Nigerians, urging other corporate bodies to contribute to national development.
The Dangote Foundation’s consistent efforts in providing humanitarian aid across the country underscore its dedication to supporting communities in times of need, particularly during religious observances and economic hardships.