•As Governor Abiodun, beneficiaries laud intervention amid economic hardship
In a bid to cushion the effects of the current economic downturn, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has commenced the distribution of 40,000 bags of rice to People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups across all 20 local government areas in Ogun State.
The initiative, which is part of ADF’s National Food Intervention Programme, was flagged off in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, with various segments of the society, including widows, youth groups, artisans, and market women, receiving 10 kg bags of rice for onward distribution to their members.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Oba’s Complex in Oke-Mosan, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, expressed gratitude to the Dangote Foundation for its continued support of the state’s developmental and humanitarian efforts.
The governor described the intervention as timely and aligned with his administration’s ongoing efforts to provide succour to residents, especially those most affected by the economic realities.
“We appreciate this generous gesture from the Dangote Foundation. It is consistent with the spirit of corporate responsibility we encourage.
“This initiative is not only helping households but also reinforcing the values of empathy and care in our society,” Abiodun said.
He recalled the crucial role the Foundation played during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical infrastructure and supplies, and noted that it has remained a strategic partner in areas such as health, security, and economic empowerment.
He commended the Foundation for donating patrol vans to boost the state’s security architecture.
Abiodun, however, issued a stern warning against the resale of the food items, stating that the rice must not be commercialised under any guise.
“These food items are to be distributed free of charge. We will monitor the process to ensure they get to the intended beneficiaries. Anyone found selling them will face serious consequences,” he warned.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs Funmi Efuape, applauded the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to supporting government efforts and uplifting communities through various corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Head of Operations, Mr Victor Edero, explained that the initiative was launched to complement the Federal Government’s drive toward food security, especially for the most vulnerable citizens.
Edero said: “The National Food Intervention Programme is our way of responding to the current economic challenges.
“We recognise that access to food, especially rice, a staple in Nigerian households, is becoming increasingly difficult for many. Our focus as a foundation remains on three core areas: health, empowerment, and nutrition.”
He called for transparency and fairness in the distribution process, stressing that the rice must reach those who need it the most.
The Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Mrs Yemisi Abbas, also commended the Foundation for always being in tune with the people’s needs and urged it to consider launching a micro-loan scheme to help lift more residents out of poverty.
In their remarks, representatives of People Living with Disabilities, the Ogun State Youth Council, and the Trade Council lauded Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his consistent generosity.
They praised the Ogun State Government for its collaborative approach in addressing hardship through private sector partnerships.
“This effort is proof that when the government and private sector come together, a meaningful impact is made,” one of the PWD representatives said.
At the event, representatives of various groups, including widows, market associations, trade unions, artisans, and youth groups, received their allotted rice bags for onward distribution to their respective members.
The ADF National Food Intervention Programme is being rolled out nationwide as part of a broader strategy to alleviate food insecurity and provide support to those hardest hit by inflation and economic challenges.
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