Edo Governor Hails Dangote's N16 Billion Food Palliative, Urges Wealthy Nigerians to Emulate Philanthropy

Pix 525:: The Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa (Second right) presenting a bag of Aliko Dangote Foundation rice to a visually impaired beneficiary in Benin, Edo State capital.

Pix 508:: The Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa (Second right) presenting a bag of Aliko Dangote Foundation to a physically challenged beneficiary in Benin, Edo State capital. 

BENIN CITY, Edo State – May 25, 2025 –Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) for its generous donation of 13,000 bags of rice to economically vulnerable citizens in the state. The Governor, who flagged off the distribution over the weekend, used the occasion to appeal to other wealthy Nigerians to emulate industrialist Aliko Dangote's patriotic gesture in collaborating with all tiers of government to combat poverty and hunger.

Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Governor Okpebholo expressed his administration's deep appreciation to the ADF, stating that the initiative aligns perfectly with his government's policy of enhancing the lives of citizens through sound economic policies and aggressive infrastructure provision.

"I express my heartfelt gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for this notable act of generosity and compassion," Governor Okpebholo stated. "This donation is a testament to the Foundation's commitment to alleviating poverty and promoting food security as well as supporting the most vulnerable members of society."

He noted that the national initiative to distribute one million bags of rice across the 774 Local Government Areas nationwide is a "laudable demonstration" that complements President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes national food security.

The Governor highlighted Edo State's commitment to this agenda, citing the launch of the "Back to Farm" project, aimed at cultivating 3,000 hectares of land across the state's three senatorial districts. "This effort underscores our administration's commitment to achieving food sufficiency and enhancing agricultural productivity across the State," he said.

"This donation from ADF is therefore timely as it will complement our efforts at reducing hunger in the land," Governor Okpebholo added, calling for more partnerships from well-meaning Nigerians. "The fight against poverty and hunger is a collective responsibility and together through partnerships like this, we will build a more resilient, secure and prosperous future for all." He assured that the distribution process would be transparent, equitable, and conducted with utmost integrity to ensure the items reach their intended beneficiaries.

ADF's Nationwide Initiative

Conveying Alhaji Dangote's goodwill message, Opeoluwa Olajide, an ADF officer, explained that the initiative is part of a National Food Intervention Programme designed to provide relief from hunger through food security to economically challenged Nigerians.

"This year, Africa’s leading philanthropist through the ADF set aside N16 billion to provide 1,000,000 bags of rice (10kg) sourced locally to one million Nigerians across the 774 local governments in the federation," Olajide stated. He added that the food relief initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger, a goal strongly upheld by the Foundation.

The program has already been flagged off in Lagos, Kano, and other states, with Edo State now receiving its allocation of 13,000 bags of rice for distribution. Olajide emphasized that the program is "dear to the heart of Alhaji Dangote," who is resolved to assist governments at all levels in alleviating poverty. He described the initiative as a "crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges faced by our nation."

Beneficiaries Express Gratitude

The leader of market women in Edo State, Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele, thanked ADF for its intervention and commended Governor Okpebholo's administration for its openness and genuine efforts to support the populace, particularly market men and women. She noted the governor's empowerment initiatives for youths, women, and vulnerable groups across the state's three senatorial districts since he assumed office.

Beneficiaries, including Mrs. Margerrette Ogun, Mrs. Patience Agharia, and Princess Judith Oshodin, separately lauded Alhaji Dangote for remembering the people through such laudable programs.

Support for Host Communities

Meanwhile, in a separate arrangement, the Aliko Dangote Foundation also distributed thousands of 10kg rice bags to the people of Okpella host communities to Dangote Cement Plc in Etsako East Local Government. This was part of ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) palliative measures aimed at appreciating their cooperation and ensuring peaceful cohabitation with the company.

Engr. Patrick Omokagbo, Director of Stakeholder Management at Dangote Cement Plc, explained that this distribution is a reflection of Dangote's commitment to his host communities across the nation. "Given the unsavoury economic situation in the country with its attendant poverty and hunger, Alhaji Aliko Dangote finds it necessary by providing free rice to the people so they can heave a sigh of relief," he said.

Barrister Akuri Afegbua, the Okuopellagbe Palace Secretary, conveyed the heartfelt appreciation of the royal fathers in the communities to Alhaji Dangote and the ADF for singling out the host communities for the rice donation. He noted that the rice would significantly help cushion the effect of hunger among the local populace.

Beneficiaries from Okpella, Mrs. Mercy Sado and Mr. Inusa Ahmed, also thanked ADF for the timely food intervention, describing it as crucial given the high inflation that has made many staple foods unaffordable for poor Nigerians.