By Ayomide Otitoju
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on affluent Nigerians to take a cue from the philanthropic gesture of Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, in supporting government efforts to combat hunger and poverty through strategic investments and charitable initiatives.
Governor Okpebholo made the appeal at the weekend during the official flag-off of the distribution of 13,000 bags of rice donated to Edo State by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), as part of its nationwide food intervention programme. Represented by Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Okpebholo commended Dangote for his continued commitment to alleviating hardship among vulnerable Nigerians.
“The Edo State Government deeply appreciates the Aliko Dangote Foundation for this noble act of generosity,” the governor said. “This initiative complements our administration’s drive towards economic empowerment and food sufficiency through the ‘Back to Farm’ programme, aimed at cultivating 3,000 hectares across Edo’s three senatorial districts.”
He further emphasized that tackling food insecurity is a collective responsibility, noting that partnerships between government and private individuals can yield lasting solutions to poverty and economic instability.
The Governor assured that the rice distribution process in the state would be conducted transparently and fairly to ensure that it reaches the intended beneficiaries.
An official of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Opeoluwa Olajide, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of Alhaji Dangote, said the ADF has committed ₦16 billion to provide one million 10kg bags of locally sourced rice to indigent Nigerians across the 774 local government areas nationwide.
“This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger,” Olajide said. “It is a reflection of Alhaji Dangote’s enduring commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and advancing food security.”
According to her, Edo State joins Lagos, Kano, and other states that have already benefited from the intervention. She reiterated that the Foundation views the programme as a moral duty to support Nigerians during challenging economic times.
Leader of market women in Edo State, Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele, praised both ADF and the state government for their efforts, acknowledging Governor Okpebholo’s strides in youth and women empowerment across the state’s senatorial zones.
Beneficiaries such as Mrs. Margerrette Ogun, Mrs. Patience Agharia, and Princess Judith Oshodin expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dangote for his generosity, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
Meanwhile, in a separate outreach, thousands of 10kg bags of rice were distributed to Okpella, a host community to Dangote Cement Plc in Etsako East Local Government Area. The exercise, conducted at the palace of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, formed part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at cushioning the effects of hunger.
Speaking during the event, Engr. Patrick Omokagbo, Director of Stakeholder Management at Dangote Cement Plc, reiterated that the intervention reflects the company’s gratitude to host communities for their peaceful collaboration and support.
“We acknowledge the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians,” Omokagbo said. “This palliative is our modest contribution toward easing the burden.”
Also speaking, Barrister Akuri Afegbua, Secretary to the Okuokpellagbe Palace, lauded the Foundation for prioritizing the needs of host communities, stating that the rice distribution would go a long way in easing food challenges.
Local beneficiaries, including Mrs. Mercy Sado and Mr. Inusa Ahmed, applauded the initiative, describing it as a much-needed relief amid soaring food prices and inflation.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation’s ongoing food distribution programme continues to garner commendation across states as it supports millions of Nigerians facing economic hardship.
