*Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says Aliko Dangote prioritises Nigerians鈥� welfare above profit, as the Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation urges other well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to emulate the efforts at supporting the less-privileged in the communities, especially during Ramadan

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

In continuation of the organisation’s support to Nigerians to alleviate current economic challenges on the populace, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, (ADF) has flagged off the distribution of 80,000 10kg bags of rice to the vulnerable in Lagos State.

绿帽献妻 reports Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group and Chairman of ADF, noted that the gesture is part of the over one million 10kg bags of rice that would be distributed to reach a million vulnerable consumers in the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

Speaking at the flag off at Alausa-Ikeja, in Lagos, Dangote said the distribution of the 80,000 bags of 10kg rice was another demonstration of the Foundation鈥檚 commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity.

The President of Dangote Group noted that the distribution of the rice is in addition to the daily distribution of 12,500 loaves of bread in Lagos.

Dangote also stressed with the initiative, the Foundation aspires to ameliorate some of the burdens faced by vulnerable communities across Lagos State.

In his remarks on the occasion, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State applauded the several initiatives of Dangote to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians

Sanwo-Olu commended him for showing compassion to the needy in the society.

The Lagos Governor also acknowledged that the gesture of distribution of 80,000 bags of 10kg rice showed the leadership of the Foundation prioritises the welfare of the people beyond the pursuit of profit and accumulation of wealth.

The Governor said: 鈥淎liko Dangote is a Nigerian that has chosen to be different. You have choices but you have made the right one which is caring for the vulnerable.

“I appreciate Mr. 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.”

In encouraging other wealthy Nigerians to emulate Dangote’s gesture, Sanwo-Olu said the distribution of the rice would support the initiative of the state in addressing the effects of the economic hardship.

As regards the need for the food intervention in Lagos, Dangote further said: 鈥淲hile our traditional Ramadan food distribution has been focused on the Muslim Community, we recognise that the current circumstances where a significant proportion of Nigerians across the nation are experiencing severe hardship due to the prevailing high prices of foods 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.”

Commenting on the gesture, Zouera Youssoufou, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ADF, disclosed the Foundation is partnering credible Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs), civil societies, and religious bodies, among others to ensure the donations reach the most vulnerable consumers in Lagos State. Youssoufou noted the Foundation is guided by a vision of empowering Africans to achieve their self-actualisation and full potential as it believes that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

鈥淚n 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 as we have done with our female empowerment programme in Lagos State which targeted 40,000 (Forty thousand) disadvantaged women,鈥� she added.

Also in her remarks at the event, Fatima Aliko Dangote, Group Executive Director Commercial Operations at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), noted that the flag off in Lagos is a follow-up to the 120,000 bags distributed in Kano last Saturday.

According to her, the intervention is targeted to reach the 774 Local Government Areas in the country.

Fatima stated: “We have been doing this for a while but we didn鈥檛 publicise it because聽 our chairman聽 believes聽 this is between him and God but this year we decided聽 to publicise聽 it so that we can encourage聽 and inspire others to do so.

鈥淭here are many other things the Dangote foundation is also doing. We are also serving 2,500 breads all over Lagos daily.”

She equally said: “We started this in 2020 during COVID-19. Also in our hometown in Kano, we have been doing breakfast, lunch and dinner for the past 35 years.

“The Foundation has invested in many things. Years back, we gave women some money to be able to invest in their businesses.”

Speaking further, Dangote noted that Lagos State holds a special place in the hearts of the Group, hosting two of its major investments – Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Plant.

The Chairman of ADF disclosed the Dangote Group is also working on the nutrition agenda and has made significant strides in food fortification, investing in iodized salt and vitamin A fortified sugar.

He stressed that the Group actively promotes food fortification within the Nigerian food industry and is exploring fortification methods for staples like rice and wheat and bouillon cubes to help ensure improved nutrition nationwide.

Dangote averred: “At the heart of the Aliko Dangote Foundation lies a deep-seated belief in the importance of nutrition in human capital development.

“We understand that access to nutritious food is not only a basic human right but also a critical determinant of good health and well-being.

“By providing these modest bags of rice to those in need, we are not only looking to alleviate immediate hunger, but also investing in the long-term health and prosperity of our communities.”

Commending Governor Sanwo Olu as a leader with a penchant for overcoming adversity and enormous capacity in handling emergencies, Dangote urged other well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to emulate the efforts at supporting the less-privileged in the communities, especially during Ramadan, which is a time of self-reflection, empathy, and charity.

Kindly Share This Story