By Chukwuma Umeorah
Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has distributed 120,000 bags of rice in Kano state to address the pressing issue of food scarcity amid ongoing economic hardship.
This initiative is part of its broader National Food Intervention Programme, which aims to distribute over one million 10kg bags of rice across all 774 local government areas across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria over the next two weeks.
Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation and Group President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, while speaking at the flag-off highlighted the significance of compassion and solidarity, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. He expressed the foundation’s commitment to upholding these values by distributing rice, stating, “Our distribution of rice symbolizes our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of our humanity.”
The Governor of the state, Abba Kabir Yusuf commended Dangote’s philanthropic efforts, urging other wealthy individuals and businesses to follow suit in supporting the government’s palliative measures. “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 added that 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.
According to him, “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.”
On his part, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Danjuma Mahmud, while describing the National Rice program as a bold step, said ADF has brought huge economic relief to the state. This is even as he detailed the coordination process through the Hisbah Board, assuring that the palliative will get to the intended beneficiaries.