TheCable

Aliko Dangote, billionaire businessman and president of the Dangote group, has launched a N15 billion food intervention programme to cushion the burden of economic hardship on Nigerians.

Speaking on Saturday during the launch of the programme in Kano, Dangote said the distribution of food items will run from March to early April.

He said over one million 10kg bags of rice will be distributed across the 774 LGAs of the 36 states of the federation, including the federal capital territory (FCT).

The food intervention programme is being undertaken by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).

In Kano where 120,000 bags of rice were distributed to residents, Dangote said it is important to show compassion during Ramadan.

He called on stakeholders to support the government in alleviating the hardship in the country.

“Our distribution of rice symbolises our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity, which are at the core of our humanity,” he said.

“The modalities for the programme involve collaboration with state and local governments and local community partners to ensure effective delivery of the rice to the most vulnerable across the country, regardless of state, tribe, gender, religion, politics, or other attributes.”

Also speaking, Fatima Dangote, group executive director of commercials, said the company will not relent in supporting poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

“This programme marks the latest nutrition and humanitarian intervention by the foundation, continuing its tradition of impactful philanthropy,” she said.

“Since the 1990s, the foundation has been providing 10,000 cooked meals daily to the vulnerable in Kano state, reaching hospitals, schools, care homes, prisons, mosques, and individuals.

“Ultimately, the goal is to build a society where each person has an opportunity to fulfil their potential and lead dignified, prosperous lives.

“This requires a collective commitment from both individuals and institutions to address systemic challenges, promote social justice, and create an inclusive and equitable society for all Africans.”

On his part, Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, commended the Dangote group for the support and called on other wealthy Nigerians to extend similar gestures to their communities.

“I do not have enough words to express my heartfelt gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote on behalf of the good people of Kano state,” the governor said.

“This is because the gesture he is offering today will undoubtedly alleviate the burden of many families facing economic hardship in our state.

“I urge all other wealthy individuals and businesses in our community to take heed of this noble example set by the Dangote Group and extend similar gestures of support to those in need in our dear state.”