To ensure a smooth and equitable distribution process, the 80,000 bags of rice have been allocated to a diverse range of groups and associations
Lagos Residents Praise Dangote for National Food Relief Programme’s Impact as Rice Distribution Expands
…as rice distribution expands across beneficiary local governments
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation and Africa’s richest individual, has earned widespread praise for the transformative socio-economic effects of his national food relief initiative. The Foundation is currently distributing 80,000 10kg bags of rice to vulnerable residents across Lagos State, further solidifying his reputation as a philanthropist dedicated to uplifting the less privileged.
The nationwide rice distribution campaign officially kicked off in Lagos on March 18 during a well-attended event at the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja. Representing Dangote was Hajiya Mariya Dangote, an Executive Director of the Group, who handed over the relief items to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other senior officials.
Since the rollout began across Lagos’ 20 local government areas, residents have showered Dangote with accolades for his compassion and commitment to easing hunger among society’s most vulnerable. The rice distribution complements the Foundation’s ongoing efforts in Lagos, which include providing thousands of loaves of bread daily to those in need.
To ensure a smooth and equitable distribution process, the 80,000 bags of rice have been allocated to a diverse range of groups and associations, including People Living with Disabilities, Market Women and Men, Non-Indigene communities (Arewa, Ndigbo, and South-South), Religious Organizations, Artisans, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, the Joint Community Development Association, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Hunters Association, among others.
Mr. Olabowale Kasumu, Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) and Lagos State CDC Welfare Officer, oversaw the distribution in his area and lauded the Aliko Dangote Foundation, led by Managing Director/CEO Mrs. Zouera Youssoufou, for its impactful gesture. “This initiative has brought joy and relief to countless Nigerians,” Kasumu said. “Aliko Dangote stands out as a Nigerian who has chosen to make a difference by caring for the vulnerable—a choice that truly matters.”
Beneficiaries have also expressed their gratitude. Chidi Ugwuba, a member of the Non-Indigene (Ndigbo) Group, thanked the Foundation for its generosity, noting that the rice would significantly ease his family’s hardships. Similarly, Turkson Abigail, Coordinator of People Living with Disabilities in Egbe Idimu LCDA, described the donation as “a blessing from God, especially during this fasting season.”
The Chairman of the Ikorodu Local Government CDC, Elder Yekini Ogunjimi said, “This Dangote rice will go a long way and is coming at a good time, Ramadan and Lent period. We appreciate him and when the beneficiaries in groups receive the food palliative, they share amongst their members resulting in Aliko Dangote Foundation reaping many more blessings.”
Another leader, Niran Ogunbawo stated that the greatest challenge people are having is how to feed adding that the rice distributed will go a long way in feeding families and this will put smiles on their faces. He added, “I want to thank the Aliko Dangote Foundation for this gift to poor Nigerians. It is coming at a good time.”
Ms. Adeoti, a beneficiary from Odogunyan area of Ikorodu North LCDA stated the community was happy on getting the information the Dangote Foundation is distributing rice to residents, noting that “during this Ramadan period the rice will go a long way to support the family during Iftar.”
Chairperson of Ikeja Local Government, Alhaja Adefolani Taibat, speaking at the distribution in Ikeja axis described the initiative as a lifeline for many Lagosians who are either observing the Ramadan Fast or the Christian Lent. She said, “This would go a long way in providing relief to families, especially those who are in lack as a result of the current economic situation of the country. We commend Mr. Dangote for his moves to alleviate hunger in the land this period, as this would help lessen the hardship many Nigerians are facing to get food on their tables.” She also urged other thriving businesses to take a cue from what Dangote is currently doing to give back to the nation.
Chairman of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (Lagos Chapter), Kayode Shokunbi, in his remarks said, “Mr Dangote is well known for his philanthropy, and he has always rendered help when needed. We appreciate him for yet another great intervention this period, and I pray Almighty Allah blesses all his businesses just the way he has blessed us this season. Many thanks to Aliko Dangote Foundation and Lagos State government for actualising this.”
An artisan, Mr. Musa Fatai who spoke on behalf of others said, “We genuinely appreciate Dangote for his effort to feed the less privileged. Several persons are working tirelessly to make ends meet, but it has been exceedingly difficult to take care of their families. This programme, however, will lessen the burden even on the artisans. We urge him to keep up with the excellent work, and may Almighty Allah bless his bread too.”
Several other beneficiaries sang the praises of Dangote for his compassion and notable effort in helping struggling Nigerians. They all hailed “Mr. Dangote” as they joyfully received their bags of rice and headed home.
Recall that the ongoing Lagos gesture is part of the over one million 10kg bags of rice that would be distributed to reach one million people in the 774 local government areas of the country, under the National Food Relief Programme of the Aliko Dangote Foundation. The programme is being done to complement government efforts to assuage the hunger of the vulnerable and needy persons in the society across the country. Read More
