By Bashir Bello
In the spirit of Ramadan, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has launched the distribution of one million 10kg bags of rice to provide relief to the needy across Nigeria.
Speaking at the flag-off event in Kano, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, emphasized the importance of the initiative in addressing challenges faced by vulnerable citizens, particularly during the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent.
Represented by his daughter, Mariya Aliko Dangote, he stated: “We are initiating this significant effort in Kano today and will proceed to the remaining 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative stems from a deep understanding of the struggles faced by our most vulnerable citizens, especially during Ramadan and Lent. These are periods of reflection and community, but for many, they also bring heightened hardship. By providing this support, we aim to ease their burden and enable them to focus on their spiritual observances.”
He further highlighted the logistics of the distribution: “We will collaborate with state and local governments to ensure safe and efficient distribution, leveraging established security officials and protocols for beneficiary safety.”
In Kano State, this initiative complements the foundation’s ongoing feeding programs, including:
Daily feeding of 10,000 vulnerable individuals (active since the 1990s).
Provision of 5,000 daily Iftar meals for those observing Ramadan.
Distribution of 20,000 family-size loaves of bread in Kano and 12,500 loaves in Lagos, a program that began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Dangote also reiterated his company’s commitment to tackling malnutrition through food fortification efforts, including investments in iodized salt, vitamin A-fortified sugar, and micronutrient-fortified staple foods such as rice, wheat, and bouillon cubes.
“Food security is a fundamental pillar of human health and well-being. Unfortunately, many Nigerians struggle daily to meet their basic food needs. This rice distribution initiative is not just charity—it is a demonstration of our commitment to uplifting Nigerians and Africans. It aligns with the foundation’s four-pillar goal: nutrition, health, education, and empowerment.”
Flagging off the distribution, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, commended Dangote’s efforts to alleviate hardship. He announced that 120,000 bags of rice will be distributed across the state’s 44 Local Government Areas.
The state government has set up a supervisory committee to ensure transparent distribution, urging those responsible to act with sincerity and fairness.
Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, reaffirmed Dangote’s dedication to philanthropy:
“This Annual National Food Intervention Project is our way of giving back and supporting governments in the fight against poverty and hunger.”
Dr. Mujahid Aminudeen, Deputy Commander-General of the Hisbah Board in Kano, praised the initiative, calling on wealthy Nigerians to emulate Dangote’s humanitarian efforts. He assured that Hisbah would ensure the aid reaches those who need it most.
A beneficiary representative, Ibrahim Ahmed, expressed gratitude for the gesture, thanking Dangote for his continuous support.