More than 30 host communities surrounding the Dangote Cement Ibese Plant, Dangote Granite and Mines in Ijebu-Igbo, and communities in Itori in Ewekoro and Yewa North Local Government Areas of Ogun State were filled with joy as the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) extended its National Food Intervention Programme to the people, distributing over 3,000 bags of rice to vulnerable residents.
The rice distribution, targeted at the less privileged including the aged, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged households, drew large crowds at designated distribution points.
These included the palace of the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo and the Sopenlukale of Oke-Sopen, where residents turned out in their numbers to receive the highly appreciated food aid.
Traditional rulers from across the beneficiary communities expressed heartfelt gratitude to Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, for his philanthropic gesture and unwavering support for food security, particularly at a time when Nigeria faces biting inflation and rising food prices.
The Aboro of Ibese, Oba Rotimi Mulero, described the food intervention as a continuation of the Foundation’s consistent corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“We were here last year for this same purpose, and we are here again this year. This yearly rice distribution has become a beacon of hope.
“I called it ‘Operation Feed the Nation’, a throwback to a great national programme. Alhaji Aliko Dangote has brought it back through the efforts of his Foundation,” the monarch said.
He noted that the Foundation's impact in the community went beyond food distribution, citing long-standing collaboration in the areas of empowerment, capacity building, and community development projects.
As rice was distributed to beneficiaries, the traditional leader commended the Dangote Cement Ibese Plant and its leadership for ensuring that the needs of the community are continuously met, saying, “You can see the smiles on the faces of our people. This is what meaningful CSR looks like.”
Victor Edero, who represented the Aliko Dangote Foundation during the event, said the rice distribution is part of a nationwide initiative to complement government efforts in ensuring food security in all 774 local government areas across Nigeria.
Edero emphasised that the economic downturn has significantly impacted access to food staples like rice, adding that the Foundation gives priority to host communities where Dangote Group has major industrial investments.
“We want to ensure that no vulnerable group is left behind. The aged, the poor, and the disabled are our primary targets.
“And we’re calling for fair and equitable distribution to make sure everyone gets what they deserve,” Edero said.
The programme also reached Itori, a community where the Dangote Group is currently constructing a cement plant.
The Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akamo, praised Dangote for including his community in the food distribution exercise even though the plant was still under development.
“This is a promise fulfilled. I told my people that with time, our town would attract a big company that would change our fortunes.
“With this plant coming up, and with today’s rice distribution, that vision is becoming reality,” the monarch said.
Many of the beneficiaries shared words of appreciation, calling the gesture a model for public-private partnerships aimed at reducing hardship and promoting inclusive development.
They said the intervention came at a crucial time, with food prices at record highs and many struggling to afford daily meals.
A widow from Ijebu-Igbo, Mama Teniola, expressed joy, saying, “This is the only bag of rice I’ve received in months. God bless Dangote and his Foundation.”
It would be recalled that just last week, the Aliko Dangote Foundation distributed 40,000 bags of 10kg rice across all 20 local government areas of Ogun State as part of the same food intervention initiative.
With food insecurity on the rise, the Foundation’s continuous support through strategic distribution of staple food items is increasingly being recognised as a critical lifeline for many Nigerians.
As the rice distribution drive gains momentum, the Dangote Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving lives, uplifting communities, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against hunger.
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