By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Aliko Dangote Foundation has presented 80, 000, of 10 kilogram bags of rice to Lagos State Government for distribution to the vulnerable residents of the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Philanthropist, business mogul Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation and Group President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, have expressed the need for wealthy people and organisations to support various government interventions in alleviating the effects of current economic hardship in the country.

Sanwo-Olu and Dangote, made the remarks at the presentation of the bags of rice under the National Food Intervention Programme, held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja. Dangote was accompanied by Femi Otedola, the chairman, Geregu Power Station.

The programme was flagged-off in Kano State last week while Lagos State followed before extending to all the other 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, FCT, for distribution over the next two weeks.

It aimed at distributing over 1,000,000 10kg bags of rice across the 774 local government areas of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in Nigeria from March to early April 2024.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanwo-Olu, while commending Dangote for the gesture and ‘his show of humanity’ to the plight of Nigerians in the face of current economic hardship,” called on other individuals, private organisations, to complement government’s efforts in lifting the vulnerable out of hunger and poverty.

He said the distribution of the rice would involve collaboration with state, local governments, local community partners, religious bodies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective delivery to the most vulnerable across the state, regardless of state, tribe, gender, religion, politics, or other attributes.

The governor, also announced multi-pronged initiatives his administration has embarked on to cushion the harsh economic effects on residents to include: reduction in transport fare, discounted food markets, affordable healthcare, among others.

According to Sanwo-Olu, “The donation of the rice has demonstrated what Dangote stands for, which is to show humanity.

“Others of similar minds should rise up and emulate Dangote. The current situation calls for efforts from private organisations to come forward and be part of this. Government alone can not provide all.”

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, said the donation came at the right time ‘ because things have been difficult for Nigerians.

“We (state government can not do this alone, we need the private sector to collaborate with us despite our pragmatic initiatives to cushion economic challenges in the state,” Olusanya stated.

Earlier, Dangote said over the past 30 years, the foundation had been providing support to the Muslims during Ramadan. However, in view of the current economic hardship Nigerians are facing, the foundation decided to extend the support to all Nigerians irrespective of religious background.

Dangote stressed the importance of compassion and generosity during the holy month of Ramadan, saying, “the initiative is a crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges faced by Nigerians.”

He stated, “Our distribution of rice symbolises our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of our humanity.

“Additionally, the foundation is distributing 10,000 iftar meals throughout the month of Ramadan in Kano Municipality. These are complementary to the foundation’s daily bread relief programme that has been providing over 32,000 family-size loaves of bread across Kano and Lagos States every day since 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“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.

“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.

“It’s wider work over the last 3 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.

“In addition to 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.”

Dangote, therefore, urged, all well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support and assistance to those who are less privileged or disadvantaged in society, stressing, “It is only through sincere collective action and social responsibility that we can find lasting solutions to issues of inequality and poverty.

“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.”

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

She said: “This is an intervention that foundation has decided to do, that would be delivered to the 774 local government over Nigeria. The rice would be distributed to the very needy ones at these tough times.

“We have been doing this for awhile but we didn’t publicize it because our chairman believes this is between him and God but this year, we decided to publicize it so that we can encourage and inspire others to do. This is something others should do to ease the tough times.

“There are many other things the Dangote foundation is also doing. We are also serving 2,500 loaves of bread all over Lagos daily.

“We started this from 2020 since COVID and there is no way we can pull out of this. Also, in our hometown in Kano, we have been doing breakfast, lunch and dinner for the past 35 years.”