The Aliko Dangote Foundation has launched its 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project, valued at N16 billion, aiming to distribute 10kg bags of rice to over one million Nigerians across the country. This initiative is part of the foundation’s efforts to alleviate hunger and support vulnerable communities.

At the launch ceremony in Kano, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, stated that the distribution of one million 10kg bags of rice to disadvantaged Nigerians across the 774 Local Government Areas aligns with the fundamental principles of his organization and foundation, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the most vulnerable populations.

Aliko Dangote, represented by his daughter Marya Aliko Dangote, emphasized that the annual food intervention initiative demonstrates compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility. He noted that this effort is a direct response to Nigeria’s current economic challenges, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to supporting local communities in alignment with its core values.

According to Aliko Dangote, the foundation will commence the nationwide distribution of food in Kano State, subsequently extending it to other states across the country. He emphasized that a key priority is ensuring that the food assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations in all 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria.

Mr. Dangote who is Africa’s wealthiest person said Food remains a basic human necessity, and this is why the Aliko Dangote Foundation adopted the practice of embarking on a food distribution programme across the States. “We are collaborating with state governments to ensure that the food reaches the most vulnerable individuals in each state,” he added.

Distinguished guests, our foundation prioritizes enhancing the livelihoods of Nigerians by supporting initiatives that address pressing issues such as hunger, water scarcity, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, ultimately fostering vibrant and self-sufficient communities.

“Your excellency, I believe that today’s event will help in tackling hunger and helping the most vulnerable people in breaking their fast.

 

We are playing our role in enhancing the living conditions of our people. I urge other industrialists and firms to lend a helping hand in combating hunger through programmes and initiatives that will place food on the tables of vulnerable Nigerians. This job should not be left to the government alone, rather we need a public private partnership that will help us in fighting the scourge.

I commend the government at all levels for efforts in addressing the food crisis. I am certain that with time, we shall overcome these challenges, therefore let us support the government to achieve its target of a better life for Nigerians, “he said.

Governor Abba K. Yusuf of Kano State, who officially launched the Annual National Food Intervention Project, praised the initiative, saying it demonstrates Aliko Dangote’s unwavering dedication to alleviating poverty and hunger across Nigeria.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gworzo said 120,000 bags of 10kg rice will be distributed across the 44 Local Government Areas of the State.
He described Mr. Dangote as humane, adding that: “A similar event took place last year where he personally oversaw the distribution of food stuff to the poor in this very arena.”

To guarantee transparency in the distribution process, the Kano state government has established a committee consisting of various stakeholders, including relevant ministries, civil society organizations, religious leaders, local authorities, the Hisbah Board, and security agencies.

Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, emphasized that the Annual National Food Intervention Project is a demonstration of the foundation’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting government efforts to combat poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

She said Mr. Dangote is passionate about philanthropy and committed to ensuring that hunger is wiped out or reduced to the minimum in Nigeria. “We are going to other states to distribute the products, but we’ve just flagged off in Kano,” she told newsmen on the sideline of the Kano Government House, venue of the flag off.

Dr. Mujahid Aminudeen, Deputy Commander-General of the Hisbah Board in Kano, expressed his gratitude to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its philanthropic effort, calling on other Nigerians to follow in Aliko Dangote’s footsteps by supporting humanitarian causes. He assured that the Hisbah Board would closely monitor the distribution process to ensure that the food assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.

Representative of the poor and vulnerable, Ibrahim Ahmed, thanked Mr. Dangote while praying God to help him in his businesses.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

ADF has been at the forefront of tackling and ameliorating the impact of natural disasters and health challenges in Nigeria and the rest of the world.
ADF donated N153million to boost Nigeria’s fight against Ebola Virus Disease in 2014, $3million to the African Union (AU) to help combat the scourge, and N66.66 million to install thermal scanning systems and cameras at Nigeria’s 4 international airports.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we donated N2billion to the CACOVID Fund, a Private Sector task force in partnership with the Federal Government, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) with the sole aim of combating Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria.

In support for education, we donated a N1. 2bn modern business school edifice to the Bayero University, Kano, a fully equipped 2,160-bed capacity hostel complex to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a N300 million building to University of Ibadan Business School.

Beyond the shores of Nigeria, Aliko Dangote Foundation has also recorded milestones with a donation of $1million, to lift victims of two earthquakes that devastated Nepal.