Aliko Dangote Foundation Launches National Food Program, to Distribute 1M 10kg Bags of Rice
The Aliko Dangote Foundation has launched a National Rice Relief Programme in a move to address the increasing food insecurity and rising costs in Nigeria. Over the next month, the foundation will distribute one million 10kg bags of rice to all 774 local government areas of the 36 states the FCT. This initiative comes at a critical time, as economic challenges have placed an increasing burden on families and communities.
According to the statement released on Friday, “the rice distribution programme will commence in Kano and Lagos States with flag-off ceremonies before expanding to all the other 36 states and the FCT over the next two weeks,” the statement said.
In his remarks at the flag-off of the programme in Kano State on Saturday, 23rd March 2024, the Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation and Group President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, emphasised the importance of compassion and generosity during the holy month of Ramadan. 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.”
Mr. Dangote said the ADF was disbursing 120,000 bags of rice in Kano alone.
Kano, with over 20million people is the most populated state in Nigeria, and the commercial nerve of the North.
The disbursement is being handled by the Kano Hisbah Board.
“The modalities for the programme involve collaboration with state and local governments and local community partners to ensure effective delivery of the rice to the most vulnerable across the country, regardless of state, tribe, gender, religion, politics, or other attributes, “ the statement from the company said.
Additionally, it 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.
