Some vulnerable households around host communities of Dangote Cement Plc in Ogun State recently received bags of rice from the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) to alleviate the burden of rising food costs on them.
Beneficiaries were mainly low-income families, elderly residents, and other vulnerable groups within 17 communities in Ibese and 36 others in Itori and Ijebu-Igbo.
The organisation distributed thousands of 10kg bags of rice to residents of the communities, who could not hide their joy at the gesture.
At several distribution points, orderly processes were put in place to ensure transparency and equitable access. Local coordinators, in collaboration with community representatives, supervised the exercise to guarantee that the items reached intended beneficiaries.
At the Ibese distribution centre, the Aboro of Ibeseland, Mr Rotimi Oluseyi Mulero, thanked Mr Dangote for the gift, describing the rice distribution as operation feed the families.
“On behalf of our people, I extend our profound gratitude to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for this timely and commendable gesture. At a time when many families are facing economic challenges, this distribution of food items will go a long way in alleviating hardship within our communities.
“We appreciate Dangote Group not only as a business partner but as a responsible corporate citizen that continues to demonstrate genuine concern for the well-being of its host communities. We pray that this partnership continues to flourish for the benefit of all.
“Today, our hearts are filled with appreciation. This support has come at a very critical time for our people. Many households are under pressure, and this intervention will bring relief and hope to families,” the traditional ruler enthused.
Also, at Itori, the Olu of Itori, Mr Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, said his people’s hearts were filled with appreciation, saying, “This support has come at a very critical time for our people. Many households are under pressure, and this intervention will bring relief and hope to families.
“We thank Mr Aliko Dangote and his Foundation for remembering the grassroots and standing by us in times of need. We are deeply grateful for this act of kindness. May the Almighty bless the Dangote Group and increase its capacity to continue doing good for humanity.”
Speaking on the initiative, the chief executive of ADF, Ms Zouera Youssoufou, represented by the ADF Head of Operations, Mr Victor Ejiro, reaffirmed that the food intervention programme reflects the organisation’s long-standing dedication to food security and poverty alleviation, particularly during periods of economic strain.
“This intervention is designed to provide immediate relief to households grappling with high food prices. As a socially responsible organisation, we recognise the importance of supporting our host communities beyond business operations.
“At the Aliko Dangote Foundation, we recognise the current economic realities facing many Nigerian households. This intervention is aimed at providing immediate relief while reinforcing our long-standing commitment to the well-being of our host communities.
“We understand the difficulties families are facing at this time. This support is our way of standing with our communities and ensuring that no household is left behind during these challenging times. Sustainable development goes beyond business operations. Through this programme, we are strengthening community resilience and contributing to national efforts to improve food access and social stability,” she stated, adding that the intervention is focused on delivering real, immediate support to vulnerable households, promising to expand it to more families.
The initiative forms part of the foundation’s National Food Intervention Programme aimed at cushioning the effects of prevailing economic challenges on ordinary Nigerians.