Nigeria’s foremost industrialist and President of the Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has flagged off the distribution of one million bags of rice across Nigeria after an initial 120,000 bags in Kano State.
The distribution of the food item that will cost a total of N15 billion started with Kano on Saturday due to its large population and level of poverty.
Making the presentation at the occasion which took place in the open theatre, Kako Government House, Dangote stated that this is against the current economic hardship facing the country as well as his way of supporting the communities.
“We are here in Kano to flag off the distribution of over 1 million 10kg bags of rice, targeting over 1 million of the most vulnerable persons across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria at the cost of over N15 billion. The allocation that will be given to Kano state because of the large population and level of poverty, will be 120,000 bags.
“This initiative is part of our response to the current economic challenges facing our nation, and it is a testament to our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values.
“We will begin this humble endeavour in Kano State and Lagos State from today, recognising the urgency in providing immediate relief to those in need.
“Our goal is to extend our reach across all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in ensuring that as many of our fellow Nigerians as possible benefit.
“This distribution of rice is another demonstration of our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are the core of our humanity.
“This initiative is in addition to our other existing and ongoing feeding programmes, such as our daily feeding program for 10,000 vulnerable people in Kano state which has been running since 1990,” he stated.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who accepted the goods on behalf of the state, praised Dangote and urged other prosperous people in the region to follow in his footsteps, saying:
“Let me say that I am deeply honoured to stand before you today on this occasion where we celebrate the generosity and compassion of our brother Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, president of Dangote Group of Companies and a well renown philanthropist, who on behalf of the group, is today graciously donating 120,000 bags of 10kg bags of rice to the good people of Kano state.
“This is to help in feeding the vulnerable people during this blessed month of Ramadan.
“Let me say that this is not the first time that he has demonstrated a willingness to support the good people of Kano state in times of need.
“Indeed, this deed of kindness, particularly during the month of Ramadan, epitomizes the spirit of harmony, compassion, and solidarity that we need to cultivate in our communities, particularly during these trying times.”
As Governor Yusuf correctly said, “Many people are in serious need of support, which the government alone cannot shoulder; hence, this gesture by Alhaji Aliko Dangote is worth emulating.”
