In a
philanthropic endeavour of monumental scale, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has
undertaken the distribution of one million bags of rice to vulnerable
households across Nigeria. This initiative, aimed at alleviating food
insecurity exacerbated by economic challenges, marks a significant milestone in
the Foundation’s commitment to social welfare and community development.
The distribution of such a vast
quantity of rice underscores the Foundation’s dedication to making a tangible
difference in the lives of those most in need. As the largest
private-sector-led effort of its kind in Nigeria, this initiative reflects the
vision and generosity of Africa’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, to
uplift communities and foster resilience in times of adversity.
During the flag off in Lagos,
Dangote said the distribution of the 1m units of 10kg bags of rice, worth over
N15billion, across the 774 local government areas of the Federation, is another
demonstration of the foundation’s commitment to upholding the values of
compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity.
The foremost industrialist noted
that over the past 30 years, the Dangote family has strived to provide support
and assistance during the holy month of Ramadan to those that need it the most.
“This of course is one of the tenets
of our faith which emphasizes charity and encourages responsibility for the
community.
“While our traditional Ramadan food
distribution has been focused on the Muslim Community, we recognize that the
current circumstances where a significant proportion of Nigerians across the
nation are experiencing severe hardship due to the prevailing high prices of
food, require that we broaden our program to cover communities of all faiths.
This is why we are extending the Ramadan initiative to cover all the thirty-six
states and the Federal Capital Territory as a testament to our commitment to
supporting our communities in line with our core values and the spirit of the
Holy Month of Ramadan,” he said.
“In times of hardship, it is
imperative that we stand together as one nation, one community, extending a
helping hand to our brothers and sisters in their time of need,” he said.
Through the distribution of one
million bags of rice, the ADF aims to provide sustenance and relief to
vulnerable households across the nation. By targeting communities in various
states, including those in remote and underserved areas, the Foundation seeks
to reach those who are often overlooked or marginalized in times of crisis.
The significance of this initiative
extends beyond the provision of essential food supplies. It represents a beacon
of hope for millions of Nigerians facing uncertainty, demonstrating that
compassion and solidarity can prevail even in the most challenging of
circumstances. By working collaboratively with local authorities, community
leaders, and grassroots organizations, the Foundation ensures that assistance
reaches those who need it most.
Attesting to the importance of the
intervention, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state, who applauded the
many initiatives of Dangote to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians, praised
him for showing compassion to the needy in the society.
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Sanwo-Olu said the gesture of
distribution of rice shows that the leadership of the Foundation prioritize the
welfare of the people beyond the pursuit of profit and accumulation of wealth.
“Alhaji
Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian who has chosen to be different. You have choices
but you have made the right one which is caring for the vulnerable. I
appreciate Alhaji Aliko Dangote for extending his kind gestures to the people
at the bottom of the pyramid and we are grateful for supporting us in
government. There is a lot of global disruption in different parts of the
world, and it is a tough time to be in a position of leadership,” he said.
While encouraging other wealthy
Nigerians to emulate Dangote, the governor said the distribution of the rice
would support the initiative of the state in addressing the effects of the
economic hardship.
He also applauded the support the
state enjoyed from the Dangote Foundation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sanwo-Olu was re-echoing the words
of his colleague from Kano, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, who had urged other
wealthy Nigerians to emulate Dangote by supporting the government in the
provision of palliative to cushion the harsh economic condition in the country.
“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,” he had said when the food intervention programme was
flagged off in Kano.
Recognising the significant number
of individuals in dire need of assistance, Governor Yusuf emphasized that
governmental efforts alone are insufficient to address these needs.
This is the same sentiment shared by
other governors and respected leaders in the country.
The Emir of Bauchi, Alh. Rilwanu
Adamu, who acknowledged the challenges faced by families to provide basic
needs, called on other philanthropists to emulate the gesture.
The Emir, who was represented by the
District Head of Bauchi, Alhaji Nuru Jumba, during the flag off ceremony in
Bauchi lauded Dangote for caring for the vulnerable.
Furthermore, the distribution of
rice aligns with broader efforts to enhance food security and promote
sustainable development as the rice and the packaging were locally sourced,
creating jobs and providing incomes for many Nigerians. By addressing immediate
needs while also investing in long-term solutions, the Aliko Dangote Foundation
contributes to building more resilient communities capable of withstanding
future challenges.
The scale and scope of this
initiative underscore the transformative potential of private sector-led
philanthropy in addressing societal issues and driving positive change. As a
leading example of corporate social responsibility, the Aliko Dangote Foundation
sets a precedent for other businesses and individuals to follow, inspiring a
culture of giving and social impact.
In addition to providing immediate
relief, the distribution of one million bags of rice serves as a testament to
the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Nigerian
people. It is a powerful reminder that, even in times of adversity, compassion
and generosity have the power to unite us and propel us toward a brighter
future.
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