The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), under its National Food Intervention Programme, has distributed 800 bags of 10kg rice to residents of Ibeshe Community, one of the host communities of Dangote Cement in Ogun State.
Speaking at the distribution event, Traditional Ruler, the Aboro of Ibesheland, Oba Rotimi Mulero, emphasised that the initiative was targeted at supporting the elderly, persons living with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups facing hardship amid the current economic realities.
The monarch praised the longstanding partnership between ADF and the host communities, particularly in areas such as empowerment and capacity-building. He also commended the Foundation’s continued commitment to corporate social responsibility.
“We were here last year, and we are here again this year. On behalf of the community over which I preside, I sincerely appreciate the management team of the Aliko Dangote Foundation for this generous gesture. May the organisation continue to flourish. Last year, I dubbed this initiative ‘Operation Feed the Nation’, reminiscent of similar efforts in our past. We are proud of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Dangote Group, and the Dangote Foundation,” he said.
“You can see that our people have turned out in their thousands, waiting patiently. When distribution begins, you will see smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries,” the royal father added.
Earlier, Head of Operations at the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr Victor Edero, said the food distribution was designed to complement the Federal Government’s nationwide efforts to reach all 774 local government areas with essential food items.
He noted that the ongoing economic downturn has made it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to afford staple foods like rice, making interventions such as this more crucial than ever.
“The Foundation gives priority to host communities, particularly Ibeshe, which hosts our cement factory,” Mr Edero said.
He reaffirmed ADF’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, including the elderly and economically disadvantaged, and urged fair distribution of the rice to ensure every intended beneficiary receives their share.
Representatives of the Ibeshe community expressed gratitude for the intervention, describing it as a model example of how public-private partnerships can help ease citizens’ burdens and promote inclusive development.
It will be recalled that the Aliko Dangote Foundation, under the same National Food Intervention Programme, last week distributed 40,000 10kg bags of rice across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State.