Dangote expends N15bn on food intervention programme in Nigeria, says ADF

*Fatima Aliko Dangote assures the Dangote Group will continue to support the needy as the initiative is ‘a crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges’ in the country, as Aliko Dangote Foundation donates 120,000 bags of rice to consumers in Kano State

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, at the weekend, launched his food intervention programme in Kano, Northern Nigeria.

ConsumerConnect reports the Group said the food intervention programme, which would cost his foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) about N15 billion.

The company said foremost business mogul and Africa’s richest man’s ADF had started with the distribution of over a million bags of 10kg bags across the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the 36 states and FCT in Nigeria.

Speaking at the official flag-off of the intervention programme, Alhaji Dangote said the initiative is a crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges faced by our nation.

He also emphasised the importance of compassion and generosity during the holy month of Ramadan, stressing that, all stakeholders must play a part, in supporting the government to alleviate hunger in the land. “Our distribution of rice symbolises our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity, which are at the core of our humanity.” ADF will spearhead the food intervention programme and will run from March to early April 2024, stated the Group.

In regard to the distribution of the over a million bags of 10kg rice across the country, Dangote said: “The modalities for the programme involve collaboration with state and local governments and local community partners to ensure effective delivery of the rice to the most vulnerable across the country, regardless of state, tribe, gender, religion, politics, or other attributes.”

In her remarks, Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ADF, said the Foundation would also distribute 10,000 iftar meals during this month of Ramadan in Kano Municipality.

Youssoufou explained this arrangement is in addition to the Foundation’s daily bread relief programme, that is producing and distributing over 32,000 family-size loaves of bread across Kano and Lagos States every day since 2020, following the disruptive Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor (Alhaji) Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, who witnessed the flagging-off ceremony, urged other wealthy Nigerians to emulate Aliko Dangote by supporting the government in the provision of palliatives to cushion the harsh economic condition in Nigeria.

Yusuf said: “I do not have enough words to express my heartfelt gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote on behalf of the good people of Kano State.

“This is because the gesture he is offering today will undoubtedly alleviate the burden of many families facing economic hardship in our state.”

The Kano State Governor also stated: “I urge all other wealthy individuals and businesses in our community to take heed of this noble example set by the Dangote Group and extend similar gestures of support to those in need in our dear state.”

Commenting on the programme, Fatima Aliko Dangote, Group Executive Director, Commercial at Dangote Group, said the company would not rest on its oars but continue to support the poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

“This programme marks the latest nutrition and humanitarian intervention by the Foundation, continuing its tradition of impactful philanthropy. “Since the 1990s, the Foundation has been providing 10,000 cooked meals daily to the vulnerable in Kano State, reaching hospitals, schools, care homes, prisons, mosques, and individuals,” Fatima said.

According to the Group, the goal ultimately, is to build a society where each person has an opportunity to fulfil his/her potential and lead a dignified, prosperous life.

It noted this requires a collective commitment from both individuals and institutions to address systemic challenges, promote social justice, and create an inclusive and equitable society for all Africans.

Youssoufou further said: “It is noteworthy that, Dangote’s efforts in nutrition strengthening in Nigeria extend well beyond the Foundation’s food relief programmes and nutrition activities. The Dangote Group has been actively investing in food fortification across the Nigerian food industry, including through its iodized salt, vitamin A fortified sugar, and research into micronutrient fortification of staples like rice, wheat, and bouillon cubes.”

The company indicated that over the past decade, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has consistently provided direct humanitarian relief in response to unrest and conflict in the North-East region of Nigeria, as well as food relief to displaced communities in the North-West region.

Its wider work over the last three decades spans nutrition and health, education, and economic empowerment, not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and the rest of the world through various policy, programme and project initiatives.

Besides carrying out direct interventions, the Foundation works with federal, state and local governments, international development partners and institutions, local communities, and other philanthropists to deliver on its mission, stated the Group.

The ADF thus urged all well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support and assistance to those who are less-privileged or disadvantaged in society.

The Foundation noted that it is only through “a sincere collective action and social responsibility that we can find lasting solutions to issues of inequality and poverty.”

It said: “We further urge governments at all levels to intensify their efforts to improve the economic environment of Nigeria through the implementation of policies and initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.

“By creating a conducive environment for private enterprises to thrive, governments can stimulate investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship, which are essential for sustainable development and prosperity.”

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