Dangote Foundation Distributes 40,000 Bags of Rice to PLWD in Ogun
By Patience Ikpeme
The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has commenced the distribution of 40,000 bags of 10kg rice across the 20 local government areas in Ogun State, targeting People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) and other vulnerable groups as part of its national food intervention initiative.
The programme was officially flagged off in Abeokuta, the state capital, where the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, represented Governor Dapo Abiodun at the launch ceremony held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan.
Governor Abiodun, in his message, acknowledged the support of the Dangote Foundation, describing the intervention as timely and consistent with the state’s own efforts to provide relief during this challenging economic period. He stated that the Foundation has maintained a long-standing partnership with Ogun State across various sectors, including healthcare, youth and women empowerment, and public safety.
He recalled the Foundation’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in providing essential infrastructure and logistics support, and noted that ADF had also contributed to the state’s security network through the donation of patrol vehicles and other resources.
“When corporate organisations engage in acts of kindness such as this, it sets a standard for others to follow,” the governor’s representative said. “Not every organisation should just come into a state to make profit and leave; there must be deliberate efforts to uplift the communities.”
Governor Abiodun also issued a stern warning against the diversion or sale of the donated food items. He made it clear that the rice is to be distributed free of charge and should reach the intended beneficiaries. “To our market women, don’t say that someone brought it to you and you’re now selling it. The rice is for empowerment, not for trade,” he cautioned.
In her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs. Funmi Efuape, praised the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its consistent support of Ogun State through various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. She said the Foundation’s involvement in community-focused programmes has made a tangible impact across the state.
Mr. Victor Edero, Head of Operations at the Aliko Dangote Foundation, explained that the food distribution programme is a response to current economic challenges, with the goal of supporting the federal government’s food security agenda and helping Nigerians, particularly vulnerable populations, access staple foods like rice.
He said the Foundation’s interventions are structured around three pillars: health, empowerment, and nutrition. Through strategic partnerships with all levels of government, ADF is working to ease the burden of economic hardship for millions of Nigerians.
“The National Food Intervention initiative was conceived to reach those most in need at this critical time. With food prices rising and incomes stretched, we believe this contribution will help cushion the effect of the economic downturn,” Edero said. He also urged the state and local government authorities to ensure fair and transparent distribution of the rice.
Also speaking at the event, the Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Mrs. Yemisi Abbas, expressed gratitude to the Dangote Group for its continued support. She appealed to the Foundation to consider launching a soft loan scheme aimed at empowering small traders and reducing poverty levels among women in the state.
Representatives of People Living with Disabilities, the Ogun State Trade Council, the Youth Council, and various women’s groups all took turns to express appreciation to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the state government. They welcomed the collaboration as an example of how public-private partnerships can address pressing social and economic issues.
Bags of rice were distributed to representatives of widows, youth groups, artisans, and market associations at the event, with instructions to deliver them directly to their members across the 20 local government areas.
The food distribution in Ogun is part of a wider national intervention by the Aliko Dangote Foundation to assist low-income households and communities struggling with the impact of inflation, food insecurity, and the ongoing economic reforms in the country.
