TheCable

Dangote Foundation, owned by Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, is taking micro grants to 774 local government areas (LGAs) across Nigeria.

Speaking to the scheme on Thursday, the Dangote Group said it had taken off in Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kogi and Gombe states.

“We are pleased to announce the launch of Dangote Foundation micro grant scheme in Lagos State. #DangoteMicroGrant,” the group said via its account.

“The empowerment programme already in operation in Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kogi and Gombe states will cover 1,000 women across 774 LGAs in Nigeria.

“The programme will support other federal government initiatives aimed at reducing poverty by equipping vulnerable women with finance to trade”.

Dangote had said in 2015 that his ultimate goal was not to be Africa’s richest man, but to be the continent’s biggest philanthropist.

“I set up Dangote foundation in 1994 based on a simple premise; to whom much is given, much is required. That has meant for me, looking at the poor among us, and being compelled to bring some relief,” he said.

“I don’t only want to be known as the richest person in Africa, but the biggest philanthropist.

“I want to use my resources and my voice to help shape a better Nigeria, and I call on fellow business men and women that are here with us, to work in their own ways to join me in this trajectory.”