By Ayomide Otitoju
The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has extended its nationwide food intervention programme to Kwara State, distributing 25,000 bags of 10kg rice across the state’s 16 local government areas.
The distribution exercise, which took place on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, was led by the ADF team and received by the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, at the Ministry of Agriculture in Ilorin.
In his remarks, Alabi lauded the foundation’s continuous commitment to humanitarian efforts, particularly in alleviating the plight of Nigeria’s most vulnerable. “This generous act comes at a crucial time, as our Muslim brothers and sisters observe Ramadan, and Christians observe Lent. It is an act of compassion that will provide much-needed relief to those in need,” he stated.
The deputy governor emphasized that the donation complements the ongoing efforts of the Kwara State Government to support underprivileged communities. “This initiative highlights the power of partnerships between the public and private sectors in tackling economic hardship,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the ADF, Malam Ahmed Gobir, Group General Manager of Human Resources at Dangote Cement Plc, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to addressing food insecurity. He noted that the nationwide food distribution aligns with ADF’s broader humanitarian goals in nutrition, health, education, and empowerment.
“This is the second consecutive year that the foundation has donated one million bags of rice worth N16 billion across the 36 states and the FCT. By providing this food assistance, we aim to alleviate hunger and economic difficulties for Nigerians while promoting food security in Kwara State and beyond,” Gobir said.
Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture, AbdulAfeez Abolore, described the event as “historic,” noting that the foundation’s gesture aligns with religious teachings on charity. “With both Christians and Muslims engaged in fasting during Lent and Ramadan, this support will help address food shortages and enhance community welfare,” he stated.
The food distribution exercise was closely monitored by government officials and community leaders to ensure fairness and transparency.
