The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has launched a N16 billion 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project at Kano State Government House. This project would provide over one million Nigerians with a 10-kg bag of rice each.
“The distribution of one million bags of 10kg rice to the poor and most vulnerable Nigerians in the 774 local government areas is in line with the core values of both the Foundation and his company,” said Mr Aliko Dangote, the chairman of the Foundation, at the ceremony.
Dangote, represented by his daughter Marya Aliko Dangote, said: “This annual initiative, which embodies compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility, is part of our response to the current economic challenges facing our nation. It reflects our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values.”
He said the Foundation was kicking off the distribution in Kano State, after which it will proceed to other states while ensuring that the food reaches those who need it most in all the local government areas.
“We are collaborating with state governments to ensure that the food reaches the most vulnerable individuals in each state,” he added.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our Foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians through support for projects which tackle hunger and water supply problems, strengthen the quality and scope of health and education, and promote economic empowerment at the community level.
“Your Excellency, I believe that today’s event will help tackle hunger and help the most vulnerable people break their fast. We are playing our role in enhancing the living conditions of our people. I urge other industrialists and firms to lend a helping hand in combating hunger through programmes and initiatives that will place food on the tables of vulnerable Nigerians. This job should not be left to the government alone. Rather, we need a public-private partnership that will help us in fighting the scourge.
‘’I commend the government at all levels for efforts in addressing the food crisis. I am certain that with time, we shall overcome these challenges, therefore, let us support the government to achieve its target of a better life for Nigerians, “he said.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, who kicked off the annual project, said the intervention reflects Mr Dangote’s unwavering commitment to addressing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gworzo, said 120,000 bags of 10kg rice will be distributed across the 44 local government areas of the state.
He described Mr Dangote as humane, adding that: “A similar event took place last year where he personally oversaw the distribution of foodstuff to the poor in this very arena.”
He said the state government has set up a committee comprising relevant ministries, CSOs, religious leaders, departments and agencies, local authorities, the Hisbah Board, and security agencies to ensure transparency in the distribution process.
Speaking to reporters, Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, said the Annual National Food Intervention Project is a way of giving back and supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
She said Mr Dangote is passionate about philanthropy and committed to ensuring that hunger is eradicated or reduced to a minimum in Nigeria.
“We are going to other states to distribute the products, but we’ve just flagged off in Kano,” she told reporters on the sideline of the Kano Government House venue.
Dr Mujahid Aminudeen, the Deputy Commander-General of the Hisbah Board in Kano, applauded the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the effort and encouraged more Nigerians to follow in Mr Dangote’s footsteps in supporting the humanitarian cause.
He said the Hisbah Board would guarantee that the intended recipients receive the merchandise.
Ibrahim Ahmed, a representative of the vulnerable and poor, thanked Mr. Dangote and prayed to God to support him in his economic endeavours.
Source: The Nation News
