The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has donated thousands of bags of rice to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and Kogi State as part of its N16 billion Annual National Food Intervention Programme. The donation is meant to help reduce hunger and support vulnerable Nigerians who are struggling due to the current economic hardship in the country.
At the official flag-off ceremony held in Abuja, the Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Abdurrahman, said the foundation donated 10,000 bags of 10kg rice to the FCT. These food items are to be distributed to poor and vulnerable people living in Abuja. According to Abdurrahman, this food support programme is part of the foundation’s effort to help the government tackle hunger and poverty across the country.
She explained that the food intervention programme started in 2024, when the Dangote Foundation donated food items worth N15 billion to all the 774 local government areas in Nigeria. This year, the foundation has increased its effort by committing N16 billion to the food support programme. She added that the Chairman of the Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is passionate about helping those in need and giving back to society.
Speaking at the Abuja event, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who was represented by Mr. Ango Suleiman, praised the Dangote Foundation for the donation. He said Dangote has played a big role in the economic development of Nigeria and promised that the food items will be given directly to the people who need them the most.
In Kogi State, the donation was even bigger. The state received 40,000 bags of 10kg rice from the Dangote Foundation. The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hajia Rabietu Okute, confirmed that the food was distributed to poor and vulnerable people across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
She said the distribution began on March 26, 2025, and followed the directive of Governor Usman Ododo. A committee was set up in each Local Government Area to ensure the food got to those who truly need it. In total, each of the 239 political wards in Kogi benefited from the distribution. Special groups like the Union of Disabled Persons and 23 orphanage homes in the state also received their share.
Hajia Okute described the gesture as an act of genuine compassion and thanked the Dangote Foundation for showing love to the people of Kogi. “This donation means a lot to us. We are very grateful. May God continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his business,” she said.
Also present during the distribution in Kogi was Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, General Manager, Community Affairs/Special Duties at Dangote Cement Plc. He supervised the process on behalf of the foundation. Adeyemi said the donation would strengthen the company’s relationship with the people and government of Kogi State.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, said the annual food intervention programme is part of the foundation’s mission to give back to society and support both federal and state governments in their fight against poverty and hunger.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation has become known for its consistent support to Nigerians in need. With the latest donations in Abuja and Kogi, the foundation has once again shown its commitment to helping communities during difficult times, especially as many families struggle with high food prices and other economic pressures.
