Kano, Nigeria – In the spirit of Ramadan, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has launched a massive food relief initiative, distributing one million 10kg bags of rice to support the less privileged across Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch event in Kano, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the foundation, underscored the importance of the program in alleviating hardship, particularly during the sacred periods of Ramadan and Lent. Represented by his daughter, Mariya Aliko Dangote, he emphasized the foundation’s commitment to addressing food insecurity.
“We are starting this initiative in Kano today and will extend it to all 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory. We recognize the struggles of our most vulnerable citizens, especially during these spiritual seasons. By providing this support, we hope to ease their burden and allow them to focus on their religious observances,” he stated.
To ensure smooth distribution, the foundation will collaborate with state and local governments while implementing security measures to safeguard beneficiaries.
In Kano, the initiative builds on the foundation’s long-standing feeding programs, which include:
Daily feeding of 10,000 vulnerable individuals, a program running since the 1990s.
Provision of 5,000 daily Iftar meals for those fasting during Ramadan.
Distribution of family-size loaves of bread, with 20,000 provided in Kano and 12,500 in Lagos, a program initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Dangote also reiterated his company’s commitment to tackling malnutrition through food fortification efforts, including iodized salt, vitamin A-fortified sugar, and micronutrient-enriched staple foods like rice, wheat, and bouillon cubes.
“Food security is essential for human well-being. Sadly, many Nigerians struggle to afford basic meals daily. This rice distribution effort goes beyond charity—it reflects our dedication to improving lives and aligns with our foundation’s core goals: nutrition, health, education, and empowerment,” Dangote said.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, commended Dangote’s generosity, announcing that 120,000 bags of rice will be distributed across the state’s 44 Local Government Areas. The state government has also established a supervisory committee to ensure fair and transparent distribution.
Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation’s ongoing commitment to fighting poverty and hunger through its Annual National Food Intervention Project.
Dr. Mujahid Aminudeen, Deputy Commander-General of the Hisbah Board in Kano, praised the initiative and urged other wealthy Nigerians to follow Dangote’s example. He assured that Hisbah would oversee the fair distribution of aid.
Expressing gratitude, beneficiary representative Ibrahim Ahmed thanked Dangote for his continuous support, emphasizing the positive impact of such humanitarian efforts on struggling communities.
