Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has initiated a significant food intervention program aimed at addressing the prevalent hunger crisis in Nigeria. The endeavor, spearheaded by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), entails an investment of nearly N15 billion and encompasses the distribution of over one million bags of 10kg rice across all 774 local government areas in the country.
The official launch of this food intervention program took place in Kano, with President Dangote underscoring its vital role in mitigating the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. Particularly poignant amidst the holy month of Ramadan, Dangote emphasized the importance of compassion and solidarity in supporting vulnerable communities during challenging times.
The program, slated to run from March to early April 2024, reflects a collaborative effort involving state and local governments, as well as community partners, to ensure equitable distribution of relief aid. Notably, the initiative transcends societal divisions, prioritizing assistance to those in need regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
Furthermore, the ADF’s Managing Director and CEO, Zouera Youssoufou, highlighted additional efforts, including the provision of 10,000 iftar meals during Ramadan in Kano Municipality. Moreover, the Foundation has been actively involved in daily bread relief programs, distributing over 32,000 family-size loaves of bread daily across Kano and Lagos States since 2020.
The commendable gesture by the Dangote Group garnered praise from Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, who urged other affluent individuals and businesses to emulate Dangote’s philanthropic spirit. Governor Yusuf commended the initiative for its potential to alleviate economic burdens on families in Kano State and beyond.
In a statement to the press, Fatima Aliko Dangote, Group Executive Director, Commercial, reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting impoverished and vulnerable Nigerians. She emphasized the Foundation’s long-standing tradition of impactful philanthropy, which spans nutrition and humanitarian interventions dating back to the 1990s.
Moreover, the Dangote Group’s efforts extend beyond immediate relief programs, encompassing investments in food fortification to combat malnutrition and enhance nutritional standards across Nigeria’s food industry. These initiatives underscore the Foundation’s holistic approach towards addressing systemic challenges and fostering social justice and inclusion.
Over the past decade, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has consistently provided humanitarian relief in response to conflicts and displacement in Nigeria’s North-East and North-West regions. Additionally, its comprehensive work spans nutrition, health, education, and economic empowerment initiatives, not only in Nigeria but also across Africa and globally.
The Foundation urges Nigerians to rally behind its mission of social responsibility and collective action to alleviate poverty and inequality. Furthermore, it calls upon governments to intensify efforts in fostering economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction to create a conducive environment for sustainable development and prosperity.
