By Alexander Johnson Adejoh and Ebube Edieh
The Aliko Dangote Foundation, last Friday, May 3, 2024, flagged off the distribution of 10,000 bags of 10kg rice to the vulnerable in Anambra State.
The President of Dangote Group and Chairman of the foundation, Aliko Dangote, noted that the gesture was part of the over one million 10kg bags of rice that would be distributed to one million vulnerable people in the 774 local government areas of the local government areas of the country.
Speaking at the flag-off in Awka, Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Levi Ukor, Director, Justice, Peace and Development Justice, Peace and Development Commission JDPC, said the distribution of the 10,000 bags of 10kg rice was another demonstration of the Alhaji Alico Dangote’s commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity.
Fr Ukor who thanked the foundation for such gesture noted that the JDPC in Awka Diocese was carefully selected by the Alico Foundation to aid the distribution of the rice across the 181 communities in Anambra State.
In his remarks, he applauded the many initiatives of Dangote to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians while praising him for showing compassion to the needy in society “especially at a time like this”
The JDPC Director said the gesture of distribution of 10,000 bags of 10kg rice showed that the leadership of the foundation prioritised the welfare of the people beyond the pursuit of profit and accumulation of wealth.
‘Aliko is a Nigerian who has chosen to be different. He has many choices, but he chose the right one, which is caring for the vulnerable, ‘ the clergyman said.
Beneficiaries of the rice donation expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the gesture. Here are a few of their testimonials:
‘I am so grateful to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his foundation for this kind gesture. The rice will go a long way in feeding my family and me during this challenging time.’ – Mrs. Nneoma Okoye
‘I was struggling to make ends meet, but this donation has brought hope to my doorstep. Thank you, Aliko Dangote Foundation, for caring for the vulnerable like me.’ – Mr. Ikechukwu Obi
‘This rice donation is a blessing from God. I will use it to feed my children and grandchild. May God bless Aliko Dangote and his foundation abundantly and I hope he and other
philanthropist in Nigeria will continue with such relief gestures’ – Mrs. Uchechi Okeke
‘I am a widow with five children, and life has been difficult since my husband’s passing. This rice will help us survive for a while. Thank you, Aliko Dangote Foundation, for your kindness’ – Mrs. Chinwe Okoro
Fides discovered that distribution of the 10,000 bags of 10kg rice demonstrates the foundation’s prioritization of the people’s welfare beyond profit and wealth accumulation. This gesture has brought hope and relief to many vulnerable individuals in Anambra State.
Also reacting, the Episcopal Vicar of Adazi Region, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Anike, commended the foundation, for its commitment to compassion and solidarity.
