WorldStage Newsonline– No fewer than 40,000 bags of rice are to be distributed to residents of Borno through the Food Intervention Programme of Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno made this known in Maiduguri at the flag-off of the distribution exercise of the 10kg bags of rice.
The governor, who was represented by the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Ali Isa, said the gesture would cushion the effect of the hardship in the state.
ADF penultimate week commenced the distribution of one million bags of rice across the 774 local government areas in the country.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to alleviate the suffering of our people, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan,” Zulum said.
He said that the donation was a testament to the foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting social welfare.
“We are deeply thankful to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the entire foundation for their kindness and philanthropy,” he said.
The governor urged the people of Borno to continue to pray for peace, stability and prosperity of the state and country.
Earlier, the representative of ADF, Mr Usman Muhammad, said the gesture was aimed at supporting government’s effort.
According to him, the foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
Muhammad said the donation was targeted at the poor and the vulnerable in the state.
A beneficiary, Ms Aisha Modu, 50, said as a displaced person, the donation of rice by the ADF would go a long way in alleviating her hardship.
Another beneficiary, Umaru Aliyu, 60, said he would use the rice to feed his six children.
He prayed God to continue to bless the Chairman of the foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
GOMBE
The Aliko Dangote Foundation has donated 25, 000 10kg bags of rice to the poor and vulnerable people in Gombe State.
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, while flagging off the distribution of the bags in Gombe on Friday, commended Dangote for the gesture.
Yahaya who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Inuwa Kari, directed that the distribution committee must ensure all items get to the intended beneficiaries.
He said that the donation of the items was timely as it would go a long way in assisting residents observing Ramadan as well as Christians, observing Lent.
The governor urged the distribution committee to exempt those who benefitted from the food palliatives distribution at the commencement of Ramadan from the rice distribution,so that others could be impacted.
He urged residents to use the Ramadan and fasting period to pray for Aliko Dangote Foundation ,his government as well as for the good of the country.
Responding on behalf of the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) community, the state’s association secretary, Alhaji Saleh Danburam, lauded Dangote for the gesture.
He gave the assurance that the items would get to the intended beneficiaries.
Also, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Gombe State Chapter, Mr Joseph Shinga, appreciated Dangote for the gesture, noting that the items would assist residents of the state.
Ibrahim Yusuf, who represented the civil society in the state also lauded Yahaya for including all groups in the distribution of palliatives since 2019.
Yusuf said this had ensured that persons with disabilities, women groups and other vulnerable groups benefited from whatever items distributed, irrespective of the location beneficiaries in the state.
