Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has donated 80,000 bags of 10kg rice to the vulnerable in Lagos State.
Dangote, who is President of Dangote Group and Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), noted that the gesture is part of the over one million 10kg bags of rice that would be distributed to reach one million vulnerable people in the 774 local government areas of the country.
Speaking at the flag off in Lagos on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, Dangote said the distribution of the 80,000 bags of 10kg rice is a demonstration of the foundation’s commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity.
Dangote stressed that with the initiative, the foundation aspires to ameliorate some of the burdens faced by vulnerable communities across Lagos State.
Dangote said: “While our traditional Ramadan food distribution has been focused on the Muslim Community, we recognize that the current circumstances where a significant proportion of Nigerians across the nation are experiencing severe hardship due to the prevailing high prices of food, require that we broaden our programme to cover communities of all faiths.
“This is why we are extending the Ramadan initiative to cover all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a testament to our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values and the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan.”
In his remarks, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos said the gesture shows that the leadership of the Foundation prioritize the welfare of the people beyond the pursuit of profit and accumulation of wealth.
The Governor said: “Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian that has chosen to be different. You have choices but you have made the right one which is caring for the vulnerable. I appreciate Mr. Aliko Dangote for extending his kind gestures to the people at the bottom of the pyramid and we are grateful for supporting us in government.
“There is a lot of global disruption in different parts of the world, and it is a tough time to be in a position of leadership.”
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While encouraging other wealthy Nigerians to emulate Dangote, the governor said the distribution of the rice would support the initiative of the state in addressing the effects of the economic hardship.
The CEO of the ADF, Zouera Youssoufou, said the Foundation is partnering credible NGOs, civil societies, religious bodies among others to ensure the donations go to the most vulnerable in Lagos State.
She said the Foundation is guided by a vision of empowering Africans to achieve their self-actualization and full potential as it believes that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Group Executive Director Commercial Operations at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Fatima Aliko-Dangote, noted that the flag off in Lagos is a follow-up to the 120,000 bags distributed in Kano on Saturday.
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