Dangote Foundation Launches #15B National Food Intervention Program In Ogun

The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has launched its ambitious #15 billion National Food Intervention program in Yewa land, Ogun State, beginning the distribution of 40,000 bags of rice to alleviate food scarcity. This initiative marks a significant step in Dangote Foundation’s commitment to fighting hunger across Nigeria.

On May 23, 2024, beneficiaries from 17 host communities of the Dangote Cement, Ibese plant, along with residents of Itori, Igbogila, and Ilaro, received their allocations. Distribution took place at the palace of the Aboro of Ibeseland, Oba Rotimi Mulero, where accredited recipients from Ibese and Araromi were given one bag of rice each. The next phase will see Ijebu-Igbo communities, which host Dangote Granite Mines, receive their allocations, with rice already delivered in preparation.

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Foundation and President of Dangote Group, inaugurated the food intervention program in Kano this March. He pledged to distribute over one million 10kg bags of rice across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), at an estimated cost of N15 billion. This initiative aims to mitigate the economic challenges currently affecting many Nigerian households.

Expressing his gratitude, the Aboro of Ibeseland praised the foundation’s generosity, likening the program to Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), a 1978 agricultural initiative by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s military government aimed at ensuring food security. Oba Mulero noted, “We are grateful to Alhaji Aliko Dangote. This rice gift is significant given the current economic situation. His initiative is reminiscent of the OFN program, striving to feed the nation. We appreciate his efforts, and it is worthy of emulation by other well-meaning Nigerians.”

The Aboro further highlighted Dangote’s impact on job creation through his investments, emphasizing that the rice distribution complements the employment opportunities provided by the Dangote Cement plant in Ibese. He assured continued support for the plant, emphasizing the importance of peace and cooperation for the community’s benefit.

Odunfa Ayodele Adams, an Ibese resident, voiced appreciation on behalf of the beneficiaries, noting it was the first time such a program reached the community. He prayed for Alhaji Dangote’s long life and continued contributions to society.

The Dangote Foundation program’s flag-off ceremony, Aliko Dangote underscored the initiative’s role in addressing Nigeria’s economic hardships. “Our rice distribution symbolizes our commitment to compassion and solidarity. Dangite Foundation is dedicated to spearheading this food intervention program,” he said.

Dangote outlined the distribution strategy, emphasizing collaboration with state and local governments and community partners to ensure the rice reaches the most vulnerable populations, regardless of their background.

Aloko Dangote Foundation CEO,  Zouera Youssoufou, highlighted that this rice distribution complements the foundation’s daily bread relief program, which has provided over 32,000 family-size loaves of bread daily across Kano and Lagos States since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. She noted, “Dangote’s efforts extend beyond food relief. The Dangote Group actively invests in food fortification, producing iodized salt, vitamin A fortified sugar, and researching micronutrient fortification for staples like rice, wheat, and bouillon cubes.”

By Augustine Idoje