By Ayomide Otitoju
Communities in Ibese, Itori, and Ijebu-Igbo were filled with excitement as the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) extended its National Food Intervention Programme to over 30 host communities, distributing more than 3,000 bags of rice to vulnerable residents.
The donation, aimed at alleviating hunger and supporting food security, covered host communities of Dangote Cement in Ibese and Itori (Yewa North and Ewekoro LGAs), as well as Dangote Granite and Mines in Ijebu-Igbo. Hundreds gathered at the palaces of the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo and the Sopenlukale of Oke-Sopen to receive the food relief.
Speaking at the event, the Aboro of Ibese, Oba Rotimi Mulero, and the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akamo, commended the Foundation’s Chairman, Aliko Dangote, for his continued support of host communities. Oba Mulero emphasized that the initiative specifically targeted the elderly, people living with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups impacted by Nigeria’s current economic hardship.
“This effort goes beyond rice distribution. The Foundation and Dangote Cement have long maintained a strong relationship with our communities through empowerment and capacity-building programmes,” Oba Mulero noted. “Last year, I called this ‘Operation Feed the Nation,’ and today, we are seeing it revived through the generosity of Alhaji Aliko Dangote.”
He added that the recurring intervention had brought visible joy to thousands. “You can see the turnout and the smiles on people’s faces—this shows the profound impact of such gestures.”
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Mr. Victor Edero said the food support initiative was designed to complement government efforts on food security, targeting all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. He noted the Foundation’s special focus on host communities, particularly Ibese, which houses a key Dangote Cement facility.
“The current economic challenges have made it difficult for many families to access basic staples like rice. That’s why this intervention is timely and necessary,” Edero said, while calling for transparency in distribution to ensure fairness and inclusion.
The Olu of Itori also expressed gratitude for including his community in the programme, despite the local Dangote Cement plant still being under construction. He pledged community support for the project, noting that the factory would significantly boost employment and transform the area’s economy once completed.
Some beneficiaries who received the rice praised the Foundation’s efforts, calling it a powerful example of how corporate social responsibility can directly improve lives and support inclusive development.
It will be recalled that the Aliko Dangote Foundation recently distributed 40,000 bags of 10kg rice across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State as part of its broader National Food Intervention Programme.
