Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote has pledged a substantial amount to the alleviation of hunger in Nigeria. It has been revealed that he spent around N15 billion ($10 million) on food intervention programs across Nigeria. The food program is intended to run from March till early April.
- Aliko Dangote's Dangote Foundation donates $10 million (N15 billion) to alleviate hunger in Nigeria.
- One million bags of 10kg rice to be distributed across 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
- The program aims to provide vital food aid during economic difficulties, with a focus on the Ramadan fasting period.
A recent report seen in the Nigerian newspaper, The Punch disclosed that the founder of the Dangote group, one of Africa’s leading companies, via his foundation, the Dangote Foundation has donated a whooping N15 billion ($10 million) to help mitigate the food crises in Nigeria.
Via his food intervention program, one million bags of 10kg rice would be distributed across the 774 local government areas of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria.
According to Dangote, who spoke during the official flag-off of the intervention program, the move is a critical step in easing the country's ongoing economic difficulties.
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He also touched on the impact of generosity during a period when Nigerians were not only plagued by hunger but also a period where the Nigerian Muslim population is currently fasting.
“Our distribution of rice symbolizes our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity, which are at the core of our humanity,” he said.
“The modalities for the program 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,” he added.
The Kano state governor weighed in on Dangote’s generosity, stating“I do not have enough words to express my heartfelt gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote on behalf of the good people of Kano State. This is because the gesture 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.”
Dangote is set to keep the ball rolling, as he intends to push on strong with his philanthropic activities. To buttress this, Group Executive Director of Commercial Fatima Aliko Dangote stated that the Dangote company will keep helping Nigerians who are impoverished and in need.
“This program marks the latest nutrition and humanitarian intervention by the foundation, continuing its tradition of impactful philanthropy. 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,” she said.
