The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has launched a National Rice Relief Programme to combat food insecurity in the country.
The initiative aims to distribute over 1 million 10kg bags of rice across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria by early April 2024.
The program kicked off in Kano and Lagos states, with plans to expand to the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) within the next two weeks.
Speaking at the Kano flag-off ceremony, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of ADF and Group President of Dangote Industries Limited, emphasized the importance of helping others during Ramadan.
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“Our distribution of rice symbolises our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of our humanity,” Dangote stated.
“The ADF is distributing a total of 120,000 bags of rice in Kano alone. The Kano Hisbah Board is overseeing the distribution process, ensuring the rice reaches the most vulnerable residents regardless of background.
“Additionally, it is distributing 10,000 iftar meals throughout the month of Ramadan in Kano Municipality. These are complementary to the foundation’s daily bread relief programme that has been providing over 32,000 family-size loaves of bread across Kano and Lagos States every day since 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The Aliko Dangote Foundation has a long history of humanitarian work in Nigeria and Africa.
For over a decade, have provided relief in the country’s northeast region and food assistance to displaced communities in the northwest.
Meanwhile, speaking on the sideline of the flag-off, Group Executive Director, Commercial, Fatima Aliko Dangote, said the company will not rest on its oars, and would continue to support the 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.
‘Ultimately, the goal is to build a society where each person has an opportunity to fulfil their potential and lead dignified, prosperous lives. This requires a collective commitment from both individuals and institutions to address systemic challenges, promote social justice, and create an inclusive and equitable society for all Africans.”
