The Northern governors and monarchs have commended Aliko Dangote, billionaire businessman and president of the Dangote group, for the N15 billion food intervention programme launched to cushion the burden of economic hardship on Nigerians.
The governor of Nasarawa and Benue who joined others to laud Dangote’s effort said the scheme was monumental in scope and impactful.
Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue who was speaking during the weekend at the commencement of the food distribution in the state described Dangote’s action as ”multifaceted philanthropic efforts benefiting the poor and vulnerable populace of the state”.
Alia who was represented by Abah Isaiah, his senior special assistant appreciated Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) for supporting the state with twenty thousand bags of 10kg rice.
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He disclosed that a committee has been constituted to distribute rice palliatives to the poor, vulnerable, and all local government areas in the state, including non-governmental and faith-based organizations.
Other members of the distribution committee are; foundation for justice, development and peace; first step action for children initiative; Benue state emergency management agency (SEMA); national orientation agency (NOA), Benue directorate; and Islamic charity.
Alia said that the food intervention would support its citizens living in IDP camps that are yet to return to their farms, commending Dangote for creating thousands of jobs through the Dangote Cement Plant in Gboko.
He added that the job creation and economic activities as precursors to peace and stability.
Alia urged host communities to support Dangote, stating they would do everything possible to ensure its success in Benue
“We would do everything possible to make sure that Dangote succeeds in Benue. I also want to urge you to support this company,” he said.
“As you can see there is a cordial relationship between the Dangote Cement Plc and the host communities. You can see how Dangote staff and host communities have been relating with each other.”
The governor urged the company to continue its charity work in the state, stating that the state is ready to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Speaking further, Abdullahi Sule, governor of Nasarawa, said the intervention would ‘undoubtedly’ ease economic hardship being faced by many Nigerians.
Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, deputy governor of the state who represented Sule said each LGAs of the state were allocated 2,000 bags apart from Karu and Lafia who were allocated 2,500 bags each.
He lauded Dangote, describing him as the “father of charity in Nigeria.”
Jonathan Kunde, general manager of Dangote Cement Plant Gboko, praised the peaceful and supportive communities over the years and promised them of more interventional schemes.
Zaki Atoo Mande, a monarch and representative of the host communities pledged the support of the communities towards the continuous realization of a hitch-free mining and production activities.
Muhammad Shaibu, emir of Tunga in Nasarawa, said the ADF’s National Food Intervention Programme is supporting the government to cushion the impact of economic hardship being experienced in the country.
“The Aliko Dangote Foundation is not only a gift to Nasarawa State, but to all Nigerians,” he said.
Ibrahim Galadima, district head of Tunga
described Dangote as God’s gift.
The Adamawa state also said it received its share of one million 10Kg rice distributed nationwide by the foundation, he added that thirty-five thousand beneficiaries, primarily vulnerable and disadvantaged, have received support to combat hunger due to the country’s current economic situation.
Abdullahi Bello Dan Musa, chief operating officer of Dangote sugar refinery numan, confirmed successful distribution across zones and almost completed the exercise in Taraba.
He added that the foundation has partnered with community leaders in the state to ensure the commodity is delivered to its intended beneficiaries.
Anthony Chiejina, spokesperson of the company, stated that the food initiative is part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to aiding the Nigerian government and populace in overcoming economic challenges.
Ivase Eugene, a representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, and deputy general manager social performance and community relations, said the company was sharing one million bags of 10kg rice in all LGA of the country.
On March 24, Dangote launched a N15 billion food intervention programme to cushion the burden of economic hardship on Nigerians
During the launch in Kano, Dangote said the distribution of food items will run from March to early April, adding that over one million 10kg bags of rice will be distributed across the 774 LGAs of the 36 states of the federation, including the federal capital territory (FCT).
The Foundation had equally distributed thousands of bags of rice to beneficiaries and vulnerables in FCT with at least 48 charity organizations and orphanages involved in the process.