Dangote extends N16bn food support to Abuja, Kogi

The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and the Kogi State Government have received food donations from the Aliko Dangote Foundation, as part of the N16bn Annual National Food Intervention programme launched last month.

Speaking at the recent flag-off in Abuja, the Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Abdurrahman, said 10,000 bags of 10kg rice were donated to the FCT for onward distribution to the poor and vulnerable persons.

In a statement from the firm, Abdurrahman said the intervention programme by the Aliko Dangote Foundation is aimed at supporting governments at all levels to cushion the effects of economic challenges in the country.

According to her, the intervention programme debuted in 2024 when the company donated food worth N15bn to all the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria

She said the Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is passionate about giving back to society and the needy, especially.

Also speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, who was represented by Ango Suleiman, said the government appreciates Dangote’s gesture.

He said Dangote has contributed enormously to the economic development of Nigeria, while promising to ensure that the food items reach the poor.

Meanwhile, in Kogi State, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Rabietu Okute, said 40,000 bags of 10kg rice have been received from the ADF.

She said the food items were distributed to the poor and vulnerable persons in the state.

On the distribution process, she explained that it followed Governor Usman Ododo’s directive, who tasked the committee with ensuring the food items reach vulnerable residents across the state.

Okute stated that the distribution was flagged off in the state on March 26, 2025.

“We shared the 40,000 bags of rice through the 21 Local Government Areas. The LGAs also shared the product with the 239 wards. Before this, a committee of 12 persons per Local Government was set up, and the state government mobilised the committees. The products were distributed to vulnerable groups like the union of disabled persons and the 23 orphanages in the state,” she explained.

The commissioner applauded the Aliko Dangote Foundation, while describing the intervention as a genuine act of compassion and philanthropy.

She added, “On behalf of the people and government of Kogi State, we want to thank the Aliko Dangote Foundation, and specifically Alhaji Aliko Dangote himself, for this food support. We are grateful and happy, and it means a lot to us. May God continue to support him and his businesses.”

Responding, the General Manager, Community Affairs/Special Duties, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Ademola Adeyemi, who supervised the distribution on behalf of ADF, said the food donation to Kogi will further boost the relationship between the company and the state.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, had said that the Annual National Food Intervention programme is a way of giving back and supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

She said Dangote is passionate about philanthropy and committed to ensuring that hunger is reduced to a minimum in Nigeria.