Africa’s richest man and President of Aliko Dangote’s Group, Aliko Dangote, on Saturday flagged off the distribution of 120,000 bags of rice to about one million underprivileged in all the 44 local government councils of Kano State.
Delivering his address at the occasion, which took place at the state Government House, Dangote said the cost of food items for the 774 local government areas in the country stood at N15 billion.
He explained that Kano would be receiving 120,000 bags while the rest would be shared across the 774 LGAs in the country.
“We are here in Kano to flag off the distribution of over one million 10kg bags of rice, targeting over one million of the most vulnerable persons across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria at the cost of over N15 billion.
“The allocation will be given to Kano State because of the large population and level of poverty.
“This initiative is part of our response to the current economic challenges facing our nation, and it is a testament to our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values.
“We will begin this humble endeavour in Kano State and Lagos State from today, recognising the urgency in providing immediate relief to those in need.
“Our goal is to extend our reach across all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in ensuring that as many of our fellow Nigerians as possible benefit,” Dangote explained.
Dangote added: “This distribution of rice is another demonstration of our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are the core of our humanity.
“This initiative is in addition to our other existing and ongoing feeding programmes, such as our daily feeding programme for 10,000 vulnerable people in Kano State, which has been running since 1990,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who received the items on behalf of the state, called on other wealthy individuals in the state to emulate the gesture.
“Let me say that I am deeply honoured to stand before you today on this occasion where we celebrate the generosity and compassion of our brother, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group of Companies and a well-renowned philanthropist, who on behalf of the group is today graciously donating 120,000 bags of 10kg bags of rice to the good people of Kano State.
“This is to help in feeding the vulnerable people during this blessed month of Ramadan. Let me say that this is not the first time that he has demonstrated a willingness to support the good people of Kano State in times of need.
“This act of kindness, especially in this month of Ramadan exemplifies the spirit of unity, compassion, and support that we must foster in our communities, especially during these challenging times.
“Many people are in serious need of support, which as he rightly pointed out, the government alone cannot shoulder, hence this gesture by Alhaji Aliko Dangote is worth emulating,” Governor Yusuf added.
Ahmad Sorondinki
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