In a significant effort to alleviate the burden of rising food costs on vulnerable households, the Aliko Dangote Foundation ( ADF) has commenced the distribution of bags of rice to members of host communities across Nigeria.
The initiative forms part of the Foundation’s National Food Intervention Programme aimed at cushioning the effect of prevailing economic challenge on ordinary Nigerians. The distribution exercise, which is being rolled out across communities where Dangote Cement operates in Ibese and Itori, both in Ogun State underscores Dangote Group’s commitment to inclusive growth and community well – being.
In what has become an annual event, in which thousands of 10 kg bags of rice are being distributed to beneficiaries from 17 host communities in Ibese and 36 others in Itori and Ijebu Igbo with focus on low – income families, elders, residents, and other vulnerable groups within the host communities.
Speaking on the initiative, ADF Chief Executive, Zouera Youssoufou who was represented by the ADF Head of Operations, Victor Ejiro reaffirmed that the food intervention programme reflected the organization’s long – standing dedication to food security and poverty alleviation, particularly during period of economic strain.
She said: “This intervention is designed to provide immediate relief to households grappling with food prices. As a socially responsible organization, we recognize the importance of supporting our host communities beyond business operations;
“At the Aliko Dangote Foundation we recognize the current economic realities facing many Nigerian households. This intervention is aimed at providing immediate relief while reinforcing our long – standing commitment to the well – being of our hosting communities.
“We understand the difficulties families are facing at this time. This support is our way of standing with our communities and ensuring that household is not left behind during these challenging times.
Sustainable development goes beyond business operations. Through this programme, we are strengthening community resilience and contributing to national efforts to improve food access social stability.
“This intervention is focused on delivering real, immediate support to vulnerable households. We will continue to expand our reach to more families so that more families benefit from this programme.
At the Ibese distribution centre, The Aburo of Ibeseland, Oba Rotimi Oluseyi Mulero thanked the giving spirit of Alhaji Dangote describing their rice distribution as “operation feed the families.”
He stated excitedly on behalf of our people, I extend our profound gratitude to Aliko Dangote Foundation for this timely and this commendable gesture. At a time when many families are facing economic challenges, the distribution of food items will go a long way in alleviating hardship within our communities.
“We appreciate Dangote Group not only as a business partners, but as a responsible corporate citizen that continues to demonstrate genuine concern for the well – being of its host communities. We pray that this partnership continues to flourish for the benefit of all.
Our hearts are filled with appreciation. The support has come st a very critical time for our people. Many households are under pressure and this intervention will bring relief and hope to families.
Some of the Community leaders and beneficiaries also expressed appreciation to the ADF Chairman, Aliko Dangote gesture, noting that the rice distribution comes at critical time when many families are facing financial pressure due to inflation and rising living costs.
Also at Itori, the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo said his people’s hearts are filled with appreciation. This support has come at a very critical time for our people. Many households are under pressure, and this intervention will bring relief and hope to families.
“We thank Alhaji Dangote and his Foundation for remembering the grassroots and standing by us in times of need. We deeply grateful for this act of kindness. May Almighty bless the Dangote Group and increase its capacity to continuing doing good for humanity.
At several distributions points, of deeply processes were putting in place to ensure transparency and equitable access. Local coordinators, in collaboration with community representatives, supervised the exercise to guarantee that the items reached intended beneficiaries.
The Dangote Cement host communities, spread across key states including Ogun, Kogi, Benue, Edo, and others, have historically benefited from numerous Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR) initiatives by the Dangote Group, ranging from infrastructure development to healthcare, education, and economic empowerment programmes.
The ongoing food intervention aligns with the Foundation’s broad strategy to enhance food access and strengthen social safety nets across Nigeria, it also complements government efforts aimed at mitigating the impact of economic heldwinds on citizens.
Industry observers note that such private sector – driven interventions are increasingly crucial in bridging gaps in social welfare delivery, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
Aliko Dangote Foundation one of the Largest private philanthropic organization in Africa continent to play a pivotal role in supporting national development priorities through targeted interventions in health, education, and economic empowerment.
As the rice distribution progresses, the Foundation has reiterate its commitment to expanding the reach of the programme to cover more communities in need, reinforcing its mission to improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
