Dangote Foundation Distributes 80,000 Bags of Rice to Vulnerable Lagosians
By Patience Ikpeme
The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has commenced the distribution of 80,000 bags of 10kg rice to vulnerable residents across Lagos State as part of a nationwide intervention to provide food relief and support to communities facing economic hardship.
At the official flag-off held in Alausa, Ikeja, Executive Director of Dangote Group, Hajiya Marya Dangote, who represented the Group’s President and Chairman of the Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, stated that the Lagos intervention is a part of a broader initiative targeting the distribution of over one million 10kg bags of rice across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. The initiative, she said, is aimed at reaching one million vulnerable people, providing a measure of relief during a period of widespread economic strain.
Hajiya Marya Dangote explained that the distribution aligns with the Foundation’s mission to demonstrate compassion and solidarity with communities in need, particularly during the Ramadan and Lent season. She also noted that this initiative complements the Foundation’s daily distribution of thousands of loaves of bread in Lagos State.
“Our aim is to ease some of the burden faced by vulnerable families in Lagos. This effort reflects the values of humanity and care which are central to the Foundation’s work. It is our hope that through this intervention, we can bring some comfort and relief to those who need it the most,” she said.
Receiving the delegation from the Dangote Foundation, Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the consistency of the Foundation in providing humanitarian support to the people of Lagos. Dr. Hamzat lauded Aliko Dangote for prioritizing social responsibility and for consistently reaching out to those at the base of the economic pyramid.
“Mr. Dangote is someone who has made a conscious choice to care for the vulnerable in society. At a time when leadership is especially challenging due to global disruptions, gestures such as this serve as critical support to government efforts,” he stated.
Dr. Hamzat also urged other well-meaning individuals and organizations to follow the example set by the Foundation, particularly during the holy seasons of Ramadan and Lent, both of which are marked by fasting, charity, and reflection.
He noted that Lagos State has also rolled out its food support programme, “Ounje Eko,” which offers subsidized food items across all local government areas to help residents cope with the rising cost of living. “The support from the Dangote Foundation will further strengthen these efforts,” he added.
Dangote, through the ADF representative, pointed out that Lagos holds a special place in the heart of the Group, being home to two major projects — the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser Plant.
He emphasized the Group’s ongoing contributions to nutrition through food fortification efforts, including investments in iodized salt and vitamin A-enriched sugar. The Group is also exploring ways to fortify other staple foods such as rice, wheat, and bouillon cubes to improve nutrition on a national scale.
“At the core of our Foundation’s work is the belief that access to nutritious food is vital for human development. By distributing these bags of rice, we are not only addressing hunger but also contributing to the long-term health and potential of our people,” Dangote added.
Managing Director of the Foundation, Mrs. Zouera Youssoufou, and other senior officials were also present during the distribution event, which drew community leaders and beneficiaries from across Lagos.
The initiative is expected to run concurrently in other states in the coming weeks, as part of the Foundation’s broader goal to support Nigerians through food interventions and other humanitarian initiatives.
