?As Aliko Dangote Foundation distributes rice to Okpella host communities

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo at the weekend flagged-off the distribution of 13,000 bags of rice donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) for the economically challenged in the state with an appeal to well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the patriotic gestures of the foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote in collaborating with government at all levels to fight against poverty and hunger by creating job opportunities through investments.

The excited governor who made the call in Benin, Edo State capital expressed his government?s appreciation to ADF saying the gesture is in tandem with his administration?s policy of better life for all through sound economic policies and aggressive provision of infrastructure in the state.

The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa said the fight against poverty and hunger is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians, noting that through partnerships, the government will build a more resilient, secure, and prosperous future for all.

Said he: "I express my heartfelt gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for this notable act of generosity and compassion. 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.

"I understand the initiative is to distribute one million bags of rice to the 774 Local Government Areas across the country. This move is a laudable demonstration. Edo State Government has aligned with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes food security for the nation.

"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 and it is on this note that I am using this opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Aliko Dangote's generosity as the fight against poverty and hunger is a collective responsibility and together through partnerships like this, we will build a more resilient, secure and prosperous future for all.

"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," he added.

An Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, who conveyed the goodwill message of Alhaji Dangote to the Governor, Opeoluwa Olajide, explained that the business mogul had sought to reach out to the economically challenged Nigerians and through his foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) initiated a National Food Intervention Programme to provide relief from hunger through food security.

?This year, the Africa?s leading philanthropist through the ADF set aside N16billion to provide 1,000,000 bags of rice (10kg) sourced locally to one million Nigerians across the 774 local governments in the federation. The food relief initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger, one that has been adopted and strongly upheld by the Foundation, evidencing his commitment to fighting food insecurity in Nigeria.

?The initiative has been flagged off in Lagos, Kano and a few other states and its now the turn of Edo and 13,000 bags of rice have been delivered for distribution to the vulnerable across the local government areas in the state.

?This programme is so dear to the heart of Alhaji Dangote as he has resolved to do all within his powers to assist the Governments at all levels in alleviating poverty in Nigeria. He sees the rice distribution as Foundation?s commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity. Therefore, initiative is a crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges faced by our nation?, he stated.

The leader of the market women in Edo State, Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele, thanked ADF for helping the vulnerable in Edo and commended Governor Okpebholo for his administration?s openness and genuine efforts at helping the people especially the market men and women in the state.

She noted that since the governor came on board, he has empowered youths, women, and the vulnerable across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State.

Three of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Margerrette Ogun, Mrs Patience Agharia and Princess Judith Oshodin in their separate response, commended the Alhaji Dangote for remembering the people through laudable programmes like the rice distribution.

Meanwhile, the Foundation in a separate arrangement distributed thousands of the10kg rice to the people of Okpella host community to Dangote Cement Plc in Etsako East Local Government, as parts of measure to alleviate food sufferings among Nigerians through the nationwide food palliative programme.

Speaking during the distribution at the weekend, at the palace of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Engr. Michael Sado, the Director, Stakeholder Management, Dangote Cement plc, Engr 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, Alhaji 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 heartfelt appreciation of royal fathers in the communities to Alhaji Dangote and the ADF for singling out the host communities for rice donation.

While commending the Foundation for the gesture, Afegbua said that the rice would help cushion the effect of hunger among the people of the communities.

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.

?PHOTO: Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa (Second right) presenting a bag of Aliko Dangote Foundation to physically challenged beneficiary in Benin, Edo State capital

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