Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has lauded Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, for his sweeping food palliative programme across Nigeria, calling on other wealthy Nigerians to emulate the billionaire’s patriotic gesture to combat hunger and poverty.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony of rice distribution in Benin City at the weekend, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, said the 13,000 bags of rice donated to Edo by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) would go a long way in complementing his administration’s efforts to reduce hunger and uplift the vulnerable.
The governor praised the N16 billion National Food Intervention Programme initiated by Dangote through ADF, describing it as timely and impactful, especially amid the ongoing economic difficulties facing many Nigerians.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for this noble act of generosity and compassion.
“This donation is a testament to the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to alleviating poverty and promoting food security,” Okpebholo said.
The governor revealed that the donation was aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and echoed his administration’s own “Back to Farm” initiative, which targets the cultivation of 3,000 hectares of farmland across Edo State’s three senatorial districts.
“This move by ADF is not only laudable but also highly complementary to our agricultural efforts.
“We are determined to make Edo food-sufficient and prosperous through targeted investments in farming and infrastructure,” he added.
Okpebholo called on well-meaning Nigerians, particularly the wealthy and corporate entities, to support the government’s anti-poverty drive, noting that hunger and deprivation are national problems requiring collective action.
Delivering Dangote’s goodwill message at the event, Opeoluwa Olajide, a representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, said the billionaire philanthropist launched the National Food Intervention Programme to bring relief to vulnerable Nigerians affected by rising food prices and economic hardship.
According to Olajide, the Foundation will distribute 1,000,000 bags of 10kg rice to citizens across the 774 local government areas in the country.
The rice was sourced from local suppliers, creating a dual impact of feeding the needy and supporting the local economy.
“This initiative is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger, which the Foundation has adopted as a priority. It is a crucial step in addressing food insecurity and supporting millions of Nigerians who struggle to afford daily meals,” Olajide stated.
The programme has already been flagged off in Lagos, Kano, and several other states before reaching Edo.
Olajide emphasised that Aliko Dangote considers it a moral obligation to use his wealth to support communities in need and reduce the burden of poverty in the country.
At the flag-off, leaders and beneficiaries praised the initiative as a lifeline for many struggling families.
Market women leader, Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele, expressed gratitude to ADF and Governor Okpebholo, saying the gesture would ease the burden on households grappling with soaring food prices.
“Governor Okpebholo has shown real commitment to grassroots empowerment, especially for women and youths.
“This rice donation complements what he has already started across the senatorial districts,” she said.
Three beneficiaries, Mrs Margerrette Ogun, Mrs Patience Agharia, and Princess Judith Oshodin, also expressed deep appreciation to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for “remembering the poor” and making food more accessible at a critical time.
Meanwhile, in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area, another batch of thousands of 10kg rice bags was distributed to the host communities of Dangote Cement Plc, further expanding the reach of the intervention.
At the Okpella distribution, held at the palace of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, the Director of Stakeholder Management at Dangote Cement, Engr. Patrick Omokagbo, said the food palliative was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to the host community.
“This is a token of appreciation for the peaceful cohabitation and support the host communities have shown over the years.
“We understand the economic challenges people are facing, and Dangote remains committed to giving back,” Omokagbo said.
Palace Secretary, Akuri Afegbua, spoke on behalf of the royal fathers, applauding Aliko Dangote and the Foundation for “singling out the host community” in such a difficult period.
“This food donation will significantly ease the burden of hunger in our community. We are grateful to the Foundation for this kindness and hope other corporate players follow suit,” he said.
For the beneficiaries in Okpella, the rice distribution was more than just a meal, it was a glimmer of hope in tough times.
Mrs Mercy Sado and Mr Inusa Ahmed described the intervention as life-saving.
“With the way prices have gone up, many of us can barely afford a bag of rice. This donation is timely and thoughtful,” said Sado.
Ahmed added, “It’s a blessing that people like Alhaji Dangote still remember us. May God continue to bless him.”
Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency in the distribution process, assuring that the rice would reach those most in need across the state.
“We will not allow this act of generosity to be politicised or hijacked. The process will be fair and accountable,” he vowed.
He concluded by urging other prominent Nigerians to see Dangote’s gesture not just as philanthropy but as a call to national duty.
“We can defeat poverty and hunger if we work together, government, private sector, and citizens alike.
“Aliko Dangote has shown the way. Let others rise to the occasion,” the governor said.
As inflation continues to bite and food prices soar across Nigeria, the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s food intervention stands as a beacon of hope, proof that with compassion and collaboration, even the most daunting challenges can be tackled.
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