By Ayomide Otitoju
The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has commenced the distribution of 30,000 bags of rice to vulnerable residents in Osun State, as part of its ongoing 2025 National Food Relief Programme aimed at combating hunger and easing economic hardship across Nigeria.
The initiative was officially flagged off over the weekend by Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Otunba Tola Faseru. Governor Adeleke commended the Foundation and its Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for their continued efforts to support the most economically challenged communities across the country.
“This intervention will significantly ease the burden of food insecurity in our local government areas. The support from the Aliko Dangote Foundation comes at a time when our people are grappling with rising food inflation and economic hardship,” Governor Adeleke stated.
The rice, packaged in 10kg bags, is being distributed across all local government areas in Osun State, targeting key vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities, the elderly, orphanages, youth and women’s groups, farmers, and artisans.
Victor Ejiro, who represented the Dangote Foundation, noted that Osun holds a special place in the heart of Aliko Dangote and that the state was prioritized in the foundation’s goal to reach one million beneficiaries across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. “This program is a direct response to cushion the impact of the economic downturn on vulnerable citizens,” Ejiro said.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Olaniran Akanfe Atidade, described the intervention as a meaningful contribution to food security and poverty reduction in the state. Beneficiary group representatives who received their allocations expressed gratitude to the foundation for the timely assistance.
The Osun distribution is part of a broader national effort by the Foundation, which began in March 2025. The rice relief programme, according to the foundation, was launched during the Ramadan season to reflect values of compassion and solidarity. Aliko Dangote earlier emphasized that the effort “symbolizes our commitment to supporting Nigerians in these difficult times.”
The initiative has already been launched in Lagos and Kano States and will continue across all 36 states and the FCT in the coming weeks.
