Pan-African conglomerate Dangote Group has donated 12 trailer loads of relief materials worth N40 million to the Benue State Government.

The donation, according to the Group, is meant to support the on-going efforts of the state government to bring succor to the victims of the recent crisis that affected some parts of the state.

Speaking at the occasion for the formal handover of the items to the displaced persons in Makurdi, President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said: “We have a very cordial relationship with our host communities in Benue and it is only natural that we identify with them at a time like this. What has happened is unfortunate and we empathise with all the affected people.”

Dangote, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Engr. Joseph Makoju, said that it was unfortunate that the crisis happened and that the insurgency was diversionary to the state government’s efforts at bringing the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

“Governor Gabriel Suswam’s administration,” according to him, “has done a lot to improve the wellbeing of the good people of Benue State through massive upgrade of infrastructure, empowerment of rural farmers and funding of the educational sector. The infrastructural development in Benue State has been significant and his love for his people is unparallel.”

He described the donation as part of his company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme in the state that covers health, education, women and youth empowerment and disaster relief.

Dangote recalled that in Gboko, the Dangote Group has over the years built blocks of classrooms, constructed water boreholes and provided electricity in communities around the Dangote Cement plant. He added that the company gives annual scholarship grants running into millions of naira to the people of Gboko communities.

While thanking the Dangote Group, Governor Suswam, who inspected the relief items, said he was overwhelmed by the donation of the Dangote Group. He expressed the state’s appreciation and prayed that God will continue to bless Dangote Group. He lauded the CSR activities of the group and urged other corporate bodies to emulate the deeds of the organisations by giving back to the society.

“Dangote Group’s donation today has been overwhelming. We remain grateful. The people of Benue State are happy with the oganisation’s activities and I am using this opportunity to urge other corporate bodies to also give back and make people their priorities,” the governor stated.

He also applauded job creation activities of the Dangote Group, describing Dangote as a man that is doing all within his power to make his people satisfied and happy. Dr. Suswam assured the Management of Dangote Group of the state’s support at all time.

Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Adikpa Agbatse, said the way Dangote packaged the donation makes it easy for distribution.

He said Dangote Group has demonstrated that it is a Nigerian company that is always interested in the welfare of all the people irrespective of tribe and religion.

•Photo shows , L-R: Governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam; Head, Dangote’s Special Duties, Gboko Plant, Dr. Bem Melladu; Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Engr. Joseph Makoju; and Dangote Cement’s Company Secretary, Mr. Ityo Yila Ukpi, during the presentation of 12 trailer loads of relief materials to the Government of Benue State from the Dangote Group, over the weekend in Markurdi.

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