Dangote Launches #15B Food Intervention Program To Combat Hunger Across Nigeria

In a monumental effort to tackle food insecurity in Nigeria, Aliko Dangote, the President of the Dangote Group, has initiated a groundbreaking food intervention program. The initiative, spearheaded by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), kicked off in Kano on Saturday with the distribution of over one million 10kg bags of rice to every local government area across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Addressing attendees at the official launch, Dangote emphasized the critical role of compassion and generosity, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. He stressed the need for collective action in supporting the government’s efforts to alleviate hunger nationwide, underscoring the values of compassion and solidarity embedded within the initiative.

The distribution of rice, valued at close to N15 billion, marks the beginning of a comprehensive program scheduled to run from March to early April 2024. Dangote outlined the modalities for the program, highlighting collaboration with state and local governments, as well as community partners, to ensure the effective delivery of aid to the most vulnerable segments of society.

Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and CEO of ADF, revealed additional measures undertaken by the Foundation, including the distribution of 10,000 iftar meals during Ramadan in Kano Municipality. She underscored ADF’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian efforts, citing the daily production and distribution of over 32,000 family-size loaves of bread across Kano and Lagos States since 2020.

The impactful intervention drew praise from Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, who commended Dangote’s philanthropic gesture and urged other wealthy Nigerians to follow suit. Governor Yusuf lauded the initiative for its potential to alleviate economic hardship faced by families in the state and called for solidarity in addressing societal challenges.

Fatima Aliko Dangote, Group Executive Director, Commercial, reiterated the Dangote Group’s unwavering commitment to supporting the less fortunate in society. She highlighted the Foundation’s long-standing efforts in providing humanitarian relief, including food assistance and nutrition initiatives spanning several decades.

Furthermore, Youssoufou emphasized Dangote’s broader contributions to nutrition strengthening in Nigeria, citing investments in food fortification across the Nigerian food industry. She underscored the Foundation’s multifaceted approach to addressing societal needs, encompassing health, education, and economic empowerment initiatives.