Edo State Flags Off Dangote Foundation Rice Distribution
…Calls for Broader Philanthropic Support
By Patience Ikpeme
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, officially launched the distribution of 13,000 bags of rice donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) to economically challenged residents across the state.
The Governor used the occasion to appeal to well-meaning Nigerians to follow the example of industrialist Aliko Dangote in collaborating with all levels of government to combat poverty and hunger, particularly through job-creating investments.
Governor Okpebholo, speaking in Benin, the Edo State capital, conveyed his administration’s sincere appreciation to the ADF. He noted that the gesture aligns perfectly with his government’s policy of improving lives through sound economic strategies and aggressive infrastructure development within the state.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, stressed that the fight against poverty and hunger is a collective responsibility for all Nigerians. He conveyed his belief that through such partnerships, the government can build a more resilient, secure, and prosperous future for everyone.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for this notable act of generosity and compassion,” Governor Okpebholo stated. “This donation is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to alleviating poverty and promoting food security, as well as supporting the most vulnerable members of society.”
He acknowledged that the initiative aims to distribute one million bags of rice across all 774 Local Government Areas nationwide, describing it as a commendable effort. The Edo State Government, he added, has aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which prioritizes national food security. In line with this, the state has launched its “Back to Farm” project, which seeks to cultivate 3,000 hectares of land across Edo State’s three senatorial districts. This effort, he explained, underscores the administration’s dedication to achieving food sufficiency and enhancing agricultural productivity throughout the state.
“This donation from ADF is therefore timely as it will complement our efforts at reducing hunger in the land,” Governor Okpebholo continued. “It is on this note that I am using this opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Aliko Dangote’s generosity, as the fight against poverty and hunger is a collective responsibility, and together through partnerships like this, we will build a more resilient, secure, and prosperous future for all.”
The Governor assured that the rice distribution process across the state would be transparent, equitable, and conducted with the utmost integrity, ensuring the items reach their intended vulnerable beneficiaries and communities.
Opeoluwa Olajide, an officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, delivered Alhaji Dangote’s goodwill message to the Governor. Olajide explained that the business mogul, seeking to reach out to economically challenged Nigerians, initiated a National Food Intervention Programme through his foundation to provide relief from hunger via food security.
“This year, Africa’s leading philanthropist, through the ADF, set aside N16 billion to provide 1,000,000 bags of rice (10kg) sourced locally to one million Nigerians across the 774 local governments in the federation,” Olajide stated. “The food relief initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger, one that has been adopted and strongly upheld by the Foundation, evidencing his commitment to fighting food insecurity in Nigeria.”
Olajide noted that the initiative had already been launched in Lagos, Kano, and several other states, and it was now Edo State’s turn, with 13,000 bags of rice delivered for distribution to vulnerable individuals across the local government areas.
“This programme is so dear to the heart of Alhaji Dangote as he has resolved to do all within his powers to assist the Governments at all levels in alleviating poverty in Nigeria,” he added. “He sees the rice distribution as the Foundation’s commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity. Therefore, this initiative is a crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges faced by our nation.”
Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele, the leader of market women in Edo State, expressed gratitude to the ADF for assisting the vulnerable in Edo and commended Governor Okpebholo’s administration for its openness and genuine efforts in helping the people, particularly market men and women. She observed that since the Governor assumed office, his administration has worked to empower youths, women, and vulnerable populations across Edo State’s three senatorial districts.
Three beneficiaries, Mrs. Margerrette Ogun, Mrs. Patience Agharia, and Princess Judith Oshodin, individually praised Alhaji Dangote for remembering the people through commendable programs like the rice distribution.
Separately, the Aliko Dangote Foundation also distributed thousands of 10kg rice bags to the people of Okpella, a host community to Dangote Cement Plc in Etsako East Local Government. This was part of broader efforts to alleviate food hardship among Nigerians through the nationwide food palliative program.
Speaking during the distribution in Okpella, at the palace of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Engr. Michael Sado, Director of Stakeholder Management at Dangote Cement Plc, explained that the distribution was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) palliative measures for the host community, acknowledging their cooperation with the company’s management for peaceful coexistence.
“This is one of the social responsibilities of Dangote to host communities to his numerous businesses across the nation,” Engr. Omokagbo stated. “Given the unfavorable economic situation in the country with its attendant poverty and hunger, Alhaji Aliko Dangote finds it necessary by providing free rice to the people so they can heave a sigh of relief.”
Barrister Akuri Afegbua, the Okuopellagbe Palace Secretary, conveyed the royal fathers’ heartfelt appreciation to Alhaji Dangote and the ADF for specifically selecting the host communities for the rice donation. He said the rice would help cushion the effect of hunger among the communities’ residents.
Some beneficiaries, Mrs. Mercy Sado and Mr. Inusa Ahmed, thanked the ADF for the food intervention, describing the initiative as timely given the high inflation that has placed many staple foods beyond the reach of poor Nigerians.
