March 13, (THEWILL) – The Aliko Dangote Foundation has launched its 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project, a N16 billion initiative aimed at alleviating hunger among vulnerable Nigerians.
The programme, unveiled on Thursday in Kano, will see the distribution of over one million 10kg bags of rice to indigent citizens across the country’s 774 Local Government Areas.
Speaking at the launch, Chairman of the Foundation, Aliko Dangote, who was represented by his daughter, Maria Aliko Dangote, said the initiative underscores the Foundation’s commitment to addressing food insecurity in Nigeria.
“This annual intervention embodies compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility. It is our response to the current economic challenges facing our nation and reflects our dedication to supporting communities in need,” he stated.
Dangote noted that the distribution exercise would commence in Kano before expanding to other states to ensure that the food reaches those who need it most.
Dangote, Africa’s richest man, emphasised that food remains a basic human necessity, adding that the Foundation has made it a priority to support Nigerians through targeted food aid programmes.
“We are collaborating with state governments to ensure the food reaches the most vulnerable individuals. Our Foundation focuses on improving Nigerians’ living conditions by tackling hunger, enhancing water supply, strengthening healthcare and education, and promoting economic empowerment at the grassroots level,” he said.
He called on other industrialists and corporate bodies to join the fight against hunger, stressing that tackling food insecurity should not be left to the government alone.
“This requires a strong public-private partnership to mitigate the scourge of hunger. I commend the government’s efforts in addressing the food crisis, and I am optimistic that, with collective support, these challenges will be overcome,” Dangote added.
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, who flagged off the initiative, hailed Dangote’s intervention as a testament to his unwavering commitment to fighting poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, Yusuf disclosed that 120,000 bags of 10kg rice would be distributed across the state’s 44 Local Government Areas under the programme.
“Last year, Mr. Dangote personally supervised a similar distribution exercise in this same venue. His philanthropy is exemplary, and his support for the underprivileged is commendable,” he said.
To ensure transparency, the state government has set up a distribution committee comprising relevant ministries, civil society organizations, religious leaders, local authorities, security agencies, and the Hisbah Board.
Speaking to journalists at the event, Managing Director and CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, described the initiative as a means of giving back to society and complementing government efforts in the fight against poverty and hunger.
“Mr. Dangote is passionate about philanthropy and is committed to ensuring that hunger is either eradicated or reduced to the barest minimum in Nigeria. We will proceed to other states for further distribution after this Kano flag-off,” she said.
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
