Aliko Dangote Foundation Distributes Rice to Okpella Residents

Okpella hosts a factory of Dangote Cement Plc, an organisation established by the president of ADF, Mr Aliko Dangote.

The food item was shared to the community to alleviate food sufferings among Nigerians through the nationwide food palliative programme of the organisation.

The foundation is distributing one million bags of rice worth about N16 billion to the 774 Local Government Areas of the federation.

The relief initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger, one that has been adopted and strongly upheld by ADF, evidencing his commitment to fighting food insecurity in Nigeria.

 Speaking during the distribution at the weekend at the palace of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Mr Michael Sado, the Director of Stakeholder Management at Dangote Cement, Mr Patrick Omokagbo, said the distribution is part of the CSR palliative measures to the people of the host community in appreciation of their cooperation with the management of the company for peaceful cohabitation.

“This is one of the social responsibilities of Dangote to host communities to his numerous businesses across the nation. Given the unsavoury economic situation in the country with its attendant poverty and hunger, Aliko Dangote finds it necessary by providing free rice to the people so they can heave a sigh of relief.”

Speaking also, the Okuopellagbe Palace Secretary, Barrister Akuri Afegbua, expressed the appreciation of royal fathers in the communities to Mr Dangote and the ADF for singling out the host communities for rice donation.

Some of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mercy Sado and Mr Inusa Ahmed, thanked ADF for the food intervention and described the initiative as timely in view of the high inflation that make many staple foods to be out of the reach of poor Nigerians.

Meanwhile, while flagging off the sharing of the rice in Edo State, the Governor, Mr Monday Okpebholo, urged well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Mr Dangote in collaborating with government at all levels to fight against poverty and hunger by creating job opportunities through investments.

“This donation is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to alleviating poverty and promoting food security as well as supporting the most vulnerable members of the society.

“We have launched the Back to Farm project, which is aimed at cultivating 3,000 hectares of land across the three Senatorial districts of Edo State. This effort underscores our administration’s commitment to achieving food sufficiency and enhancing agricultural productivity across the state.

“This donation from ADF is, therefore, timely as it will complement our efforts at reducing hunger in the land.

“As we commence the distribution of rice to the vulnerable across the State, I assure you that the process will be transparent, equitable, and will be carried out with utmost integrity. We will ensure that these items reach the vulnerable and communities that they are intended for,” the Governor said via his deputy, Mr Dennis Idahosa.

In his remarks, a representative of ADF, Mr Opeoluwa Olajide, said the initiative was designed to provide relief from hunger through food security.

“This programme is dear to the heart of Mr Dangote and he sees the rice distribution as the foundation’s commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity,” he stated.

On her part, the leader of the market women in Edo State, Mrs Josephine Ebhaguejezele, thanked the organisation for helping the vulnerable in the state.