The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), renowned for its philanthropic endeavors, recently extended its benevolent reach to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and Kogi State, providing substantial food aid as part of its expansive N16 billion Annual National Food Intervention programme. This initiative, launched in the preceding month, aims to alleviate the burden of economic hardship on vulnerable populations across Nigeria. The foundation’s commitment to social responsibility, spearheaded by its chairman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, underscores the critical need for private sector involvement in addressing societal challenges. The distribution of these essential food supplies signifies a collaborative effort between the ADF and government agencies to ensure that aid reaches those most in need.
In the FCT, the ADF donated 10,000 bags of 10kg rice, specifically earmarked for the poorest and most vulnerable residents. Fatima Abdurrahman, Senior Special Adviser to the President of the Dangote Group, highlighted the foundation’s dedication to supporting government efforts in mitigating the impact of economic challenges nationwide. This intervention, building upon the foundation’s previous contributions of N15 billion worth of food supplies distributed across all 774 Local Government Areas in 2024, demonstrates a sustained commitment to addressing food insecurity. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, expressed gratitude for Dangote’s consistent contributions to Nigeria’s economic development and pledged to ensure the equitable distribution of the donated rice to the intended beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, in Kogi State, the ADF’s contribution was even more substantial, with 40,000 bags of 10kg rice distributed to vulnerable individuals and families across the state. Rabietu Okute, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, emphasized the meticulously planned distribution process, implemented under the guidance of Governor Usman Ododo. The distribution, which commenced on March 26, 2025, involved a structured approach, channeling the rice through the 21 Local Government Areas and further down to the 239 wards within the state. This systematic approach ensured broad coverage and prioritized vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities and residents of the 23 orphanages in the state.
The Kogi State government established local committees comprising 12 members per Local Government Area to oversee the distribution process, ensuring transparency and accountability. This collaborative approach, involving both state government officials and local communities, aimed to maximize the impact of the donation and ensure that the rice reached those who needed it most. The commissioner expressed profound gratitude to the Aliko Dangote Foundation and Alhaji Aliko Dangote personally, recognizing the significant positive impact of this generous contribution on the lives of Kogi State residents.
This substantial donation to Kogi State, according to Ademola Adeyemi, General Manager, Community Affairs/Special Duties at Dangote Cement Plc, who supervised the distribution on behalf of ADF, further strengthens the already positive relationship between the company and the state. Such collaborations demonstrate the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships between private sector organizations and government entities in addressing critical social needs. The ADF’s consistent efforts to alleviate poverty and hunger highlight the importance of corporate social responsibility and the potential for impactful change through strategic philanthropy.
Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, emphasized the broader significance of the Annual National Food Intervention programme. It represents not just a one-time act of charity but a sustained commitment to combatting hunger and poverty across Nigeria. This ongoing initiative reflects Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s deep-seated passion for philanthropy and his unwavering dedication to minimizing food insecurity in the nation. The ADF’s proactive approach to addressing societal challenges serves as an inspiring example of how private sector engagement can contribute to national development and improve the lives of countless individuals.
