March 23, (THEWILL)- In the spirit of Ramadan, the Dangote Foundation has donated 10kg bags of rice worth N15 billion to be distributed to over one million less-privileged people across the country.
Flagging off the distribution in Kano on Saturday, Africa’s richest man and President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said the distribution exercise was going on simultaneously in Kano and Lagos.
Dangote said Kano would be receiving 120,000 bags while the rest would be shared across the 774 local government areas of the country.
Dangote noted that the gesture, which amounted to N15 billion, was aimed at supporting the less privileged in society.
“This initiative is part of our response to the current economic challenges facing our nation and it is a testament to supporting our communities in line with our core values,” he said.
According to Dangote, the goal of his foundation is to extend its reach across all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure that many Nigerians benefit from the gesture.
“This distribution of rice is another demonstration of our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity,” he said.
He also said that the initiative is part of the existing and ongoing feeding programmes being carried out by the foundation for vulnerable people in Kano State, which has been in existence for over thirty years.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, in his address, commended Aliko Dangote’s humanitarian services and other interventions in Nigeria and across Africa.
Yusuf urged the committee in charge of the distribution to ensure that the targeted beneficiaries receive the gesture.
“This kindness, especially in this Holy Month of Ramadan, exemplified the spirit of unity, compassion, and support that we must foster in our communities,” he said.
The Governor called on other philanthropists in the society to emulate the Dangote Foundation in touching the lives of the people.
In her remarks, the Managing Director, Dangote Foundation, Mrs Zouera Yousoufu, informed the gathering that the foundation had spent millions of dollars on humanitarian services across Africa.
About the Author
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
