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Aliko Dangote Foundation has launched its National Food Intervention Programme, aimed at distributing over one million 10kg bags of rice across the 774 local government areas of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria.
The initiative is a crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges.
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.
In his remarks at the flag-off of the programme in Kano State on Saturday, 23rd March 2024, the Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation and Group President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, emphasised the importance of compassion and generosity during the holy month of Ramadan.
He stated, “Our distribution of rice symbolises our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of our humanity.”
Mr. Dangote said the ADF was disbursing 120,000 bags of rice in Kano alone.
Kano, with over 20million 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.
Meanwhile, speaking on the sideline of the flag-off, Group Executive Director, Commercial, DIL, Fatima Aliko Dangote, said the company will not rest on its oars, and would continue to support poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
She said: “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.”
Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has 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.
Governor Yusuf said this during the flag-off of the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s National Food Intervention 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 from March to early April 2024.
He said: “I do not have enough words to express my heartfelt gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote on behalf of the good people of Kano State.
“This is because the gesture he is offering today will undoubtedly alleviate the burden of many families facing economic hardship in our state. I urge all other wealthy individuals and businesses in our community to take heed of this noble example set by the Dangote Group and extend similar gestures of support to those in need in our dear state.”
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,” he said.
Also the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Danjuma Mahmud, described the National Rice program as a bold step, said ADF has brought huge economic relief in the state.
The Commissioner also detailed the coordination process through the Hisbah Board, assuring that the palliative will get to the intended beneficiaries.
“That is the reason the state security apparatus, Hisba Board, is assisting ADF to actualize its objectives,” Mahmud said.
Recipients of the largesse in Kano described the gesture as a divine intervention to improve their livelihoods.
Ibrahim Musa, 58, of Unguwa Uku said hunger has dangerous consequences for any society. Hence, his gratitude to God for making it possible for Aliko to undertake the huge project for the benefit of the people of Kano and Nigeria.
“This shows that the son of Kano, Aliko has a large heart and is concerned for his people and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Nana Aisha, 84, said Aliko had shown good leadership qualities since he was young and continues to exhibit the same.
“We will continue to pray for his progress and for his businesses to accelerate,” she added.
A visually impaired, Mallam Mohammadu said he was impressed that the Rice program is for the whole Country.
According to him, “hunger is everywhere, we hear stories of food being hijacked and so on, so Dangote has done the right thing for Nigeria.”
Salisu Buhari, 68, from Hotoro, said: “We are grateful to Aliko Dangote because it is not easy to cough out plenty of money to buy so many bags of rice for the people.
Malama Asabe, 70, from Katsina state but resident in Kano, said she never had a child in her life, and has depended on friends and relatives for her livelihood.
While commending Mr. Dangote for the palliative, a representative of widows, Malama Fatima Mohammed, appealed to ADF to focus more attention on orphans.
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