By Amanabo Ocholi, Lokoja, Kogi State
In a bold move to alleviate food insecurity and support poverty reduction initiatives in Nigeria, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has donated a combined total of 50,000 bags of 10kg rice to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Kogi State under its ₦16 billion Annual National Food Intervention Programme.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held recently in Abuja, the Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Abdurrahman, disclosed that 10,000 bags of rice were allocated to the FCT for targeted distribution to indigent households and vulnerable populations.
According to a statement by the Dangote Group, the intervention—launched in 2024 with a ₦15 billion food relief campaign across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs)—is designed to cushion the adverse economic effects of inflation, rising food prices, and unemployment, which have disproportionately affected low-income families.
Abdurrahman emphasized that Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, remains committed to corporate social responsibility and humanitarian development, particularly as it concerns feeding the hungry and supporting national efforts to reduce poverty.
At the FCT launch, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, represented by Ango Suleiman, expressed appreciation to Dangote for the “timely and compassionate intervention,” adding that the Federal Capital Territory Administration will ensure that the food supplies are equitably distributed to the most affected citizens.
Kogi State Receives 40,000 Bags for Statewide Distribution
In Kogi State, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Rabietu Okute, announced that 40,000 bags of rice were received from the ADF. The official flag-off of the distribution exercise took place on March 26, 2025, and was carried out in line with the directive of Governor Usman Ododo.
She noted that the rice was shared across the 21 Local Government Areas, which then cascaded the relief materials down to 239 political wards, targeting vulnerable demographics, including people with disabilities, widows, and 23 registered orphanages.
“In each LGA, a 12-member committee was established to manage the distribution transparently. The state government also provided logistics and oversight to ensure that the relief reached those in need,” she said.
The Commissioner lauded the Aliko Dangote Foundation, describing the donation as a symbol of authentic compassion and philanthropy.
“On behalf of the Kogi State Government and its people, we deeply appreciate this gesture. This food support will go a long way in easing the burden of many households. May God continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his business empire,” she added.
Strengthening Community Engagement and Corporate-Community Relations
The General Manager, Community Affairs/Special Duties at Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, who oversaw the Kogi distribution, affirmed that the food donation exercise would further strengthen public-private partnerships and build trust between the Dangote Group and Kogi communities.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, reiterated that the Annual National Food Intervention programme was conceived as a deliberate strategy to tackle hunger, malnutrition, and extreme poverty through direct intervention and community empowerment.
“Our goal is to stand in solidarity with the government and people of Nigeria in fighting hunger. Aliko Dangote is passionate about philanthropy and wants to make sure no Nigerian goes to bed hungry,” she stated.