Dangote Donates 60,000 Bags of Rice to Katsina, Kwara Poor
By Patience Ikpeme
The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has continued its nationwide food intervention programme, distributing 35,000 bags of rice to vulnerable individuals in Katsina State and 25,000 bags in Kwara State.
These distributions are part of the foundation’s larger initiative to provide one million bags of rice, valued at N16 billion, to communities across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
In Katsina State, the distribution commenced on Tuesday at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium. Mustapha Umar, representing the foundation, explained that beneficiaries were identified across the 361 wards of the state’s 34 local government areas. The foundation’s support aims to alleviate economic hardship during Ramadan and complements the state government’s efforts to support vulnerable populations.
Umar stated that the programme targets over one million Nigerians nationwide, providing assistance to those facing economic challenges. He noted that 94 individuals from each political ward in Katsina State would receive aid.
Dr. Aminu Usman, speaking on behalf of the Katsina State government, expressed gratitude for the foundation’s support, acknowledging its role in easing the burdens faced by the poor.
He urged other affluent individuals to support the less privileged, particularly during Ramadan. Beneficiaries, including individuals with disabilities, expressed their appreciation for the foundation’s assistance. The distribution was overseen by Katsina State government officials and community stakeholders.
Meanwhile, in Kwara State, the ADF extended its Food Intervention Programme, distributing 25,000 bags of 10kg rice across the state’s 16 local government areas. The ADF team, led by Ahmed Gobir, Group General Manager Human Resources, Dangote Cement PLC, was received by Kwara State Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, representing Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, at the Ministry of Agriculture in Ilorin.
Deputy Governor Alabi commended Aliko Dangote’s commitment to alleviating suffering, noting its significance during Ramadan and Lent. He described the donation as an act of compassion that complements the state government’s efforts to support vulnerable communities. He encouraged other individuals and corporations to emulate the Dangote Foundation’s example.
Malam Gobir explained that the foundation’s partnership with state governments in the 2025 food intervention programme aims to strengthen public-private collaboration. He said the 25,000 bags allocated to Kwara State are part of the one million bags distributed nationwide, intended to mitigate the effects of economic hardship.
Gobir stated that the ADF, the philanthropic arm of Aliko Dangote, consistently delivers humanitarian projects across Nigeria. This year marks the second consecutive year of the foundation’s N16 billion rice distribution initiative, supporting all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He emphasized the foundation’s commitment to its four-pillar goals in nutrition, health, education, and empowerment.
AbdulAfeez Abolore, Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture, described the event as “historic” and acknowledged the alignment of Dangote’s generosity with religious teachings. He noted that the distribution, along with the state government’s efforts, would help address food shortages.
