By Ayomide Otitoju
In a bid to mitigate hunger among vulnerable populations, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) last week commenced the distribution of 10,000 bags of rice, each weighing 10 kilograms, to disadvantaged households, including people with disabilities and the less privileged in Cross River State.
The distribution, part of ADF’s National Food Intervention Programme, took place in Calabar, with the Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh, representing Governor Bassey Edet Otu. Speaking at the event, Owan-Enoh praised the initiative as a model for public-private partnerships aimed at alleviating hardship.
“This impactful gesture is a testament to the power of collaboration between government and private organisations in improving the lives of citizens,” he stated. “It aligns with our administration’s ‘People First’ agenda.”
Head of Operations at ADF, Edero Victor Ejiro, noted that the food relief initiative targets over one million vulnerable Nigerians nationwide. He emphasized that the rice distribution would reach all 774 local government areas in the country.
“Our beneficiaries include market women, the physically challenged, widows, and artisans,” Ejiro said. “This initiative supports the food security efforts of state governments and uplifts families at the grassroots level.”
Beneficiaries across local government areas expressed gratitude to the foundation. One recipient, Victoria Edem Ekpenyong, a widow, commended Aliko Dangote for his generosity and prayed for divine blessings on him.
