In furtherance of its National Food Intervention program, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has commenced the distribution of 40,000 bags of rice in all the 20 local government areas in Ogun State, with priority to People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups in the State.
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Speaking during the flag-off of the distribution of the 10kg bags of rice to the people of the State in Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun commended the Foundation saying the donation of the gift items to the state indigenes was in tandem with his government’s efforts aimed at providing succor to the people during this trying period.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi at the flag-off ceremony held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, expressed satisfaction that the Foundation has been partnering with the state in various sectors, including health, empowerment, and security.
Governor Abiodun recalled the crucial roles played by the ADF during the Covid-19 Pandemic to reduce the effect of the disease by providing critical infrastructures.
He added that the Foundation has also been of tremendous support to the Ogun State security architecture with patrol vans, among other contributions.
“When corporate organizations engage in initiatives like this, we should highlight them so that others can learn from it. Not everything is about coming, making money, and leaving.
“This is a gesture that should be replicated by every corporate entity because you have to empathize with the people, and I think what the Dangote Foundation has done is to consistently prioritize care for people,” he said.
Governor Abiodun cautioned against the sale of the food items, stating that anyone caught selling them would face consequences and that state will monitor the distribution to be sure those are mean to get them actually get them.
“To our market women, don’t say that someone brought it to you and you are now selling it. The rice is meant to be given to the people free of charge; it is for empowerment,” he warned
Earlier in her address of welcome, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs. Funmi Efuape, acknowledged the support the Dangote Foundation has given to the state government and the various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives it has undertaken for its host communities.
The Head of Operations, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Victor Edero, in his goodwill message, said the Foundation initiated the food intervention programme to help contribute to the federal government efforts for food security so that Nigerians especially the vulnerable have access to the most staple food, rice at this period of global economic downturn.
He explained that ADF, focuses on three core areas: health, empowerment, and nutrition and has partnered governments at all levels to provide a lift in all the sectors
The National Food Intervention initiative, according to him is borne out of the current economic situation where people find it difficult to make ends meet, adding that the foundation is partnering with the state government to bring succor to the less privileged in society, calling for equitable distribution to all beneficiaries.
The Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Mrs. Yemisi Abbas, appreciated the Dangote Group for always identifying with the people, while appealing to the Foundation it to initiate a loan scheme as a form of empowerment to eradicate poverty in the state.
Representatives of People Living with Disabilities, the Trade Council, and the Youth Council, one after another, thanked Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his magnanimity and also lauded the state government for always seeking ways to mitigate the people’s suffering, stating that the collaboration with Dangote is an indication that the government and the private sector can work together for the good of the people.
At the occasion, representatives of People Living with Disabilities, Widows, Trade Council, Youth Council, Market women, Artisans and other women’s groups, were given bags of rice for onward distribution to their members.
