By Ayomide Otitoju
The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has donated thousands of bags of rice to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and Kogi State as part of its ₦16 billion Annual National Food Intervention Programme aimed at easing the economic burden on vulnerable Nigerians.
At the official flag-off ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Hajiya Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, announced that 10,000 bags of 10kg rice were presented to the FCT Administration for distribution to the poor and vulnerable.
Abdurrahman noted that the initiative is part of ADF’s commitment to supporting government efforts at all levels to mitigate the impact of economic hardship across the country. She recalled that the intervention programme debuted in 2024 with a donation of food items worth ₦15 billion across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
“Alhaji Aliko Dangote remains passionate about giving back to society and especially about reaching those in need,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Director of Operations, Ango Abdullahi Suleiman, expressed appreciation for the donation. He praised Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic development and assured that the food items would be distributed transparently to deserving beneficiaries.
In Kogi State, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hajia Rabietu Okute, confirmed the receipt of 40,000 bags of 10kg rice from the Foundation.
She disclosed that the distribution followed a directive from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who mandated a committee to ensure the food items reach vulnerable groups across the state.
“We shared the 40,000 bags through the 21 local government areas, and each LGA distributed them further to the 239 wards,” Okute explained. “Twelve-member committees were set up in each LGA to oversee the process, and we prioritized vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and 23 orphanages across the state.”
The Commissioner lauded the Foundation’s gesture, describing it as an authentic display of compassion and philanthropy.
“On behalf of the people and government of Kogi State, we thank Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his Foundation for this critical support. It means a lot to us,” she said.
Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, General Manager, Community Affairs and Special Duties at Dangote Cement Plc, supervised the Kogi distribution on behalf of ADF. He expressed optimism that the donation would further strengthen ties between the company and the state.
Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to reducing hunger and poverty in Nigeria through sustained philanthropic efforts.
“This programme is our way of giving back and supporting governments to fight hunger across the nation,” she said.
