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Hunger Alleviation: Dangote’s over 1 million rice gets to 17 states
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
So far, 17 states have received their shares of the over 1 million 10kg rice, being distributed by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), across the 774 local governments in Nigeria
KANO FOCUS reports that Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the ADF, Zouera Youssoufou, said the Foundation would ensure that all the local governments in Nigeria get their shares of the rice before the end of the Ramadan period.
Youssoufou, said, that the Foundation is partnering with credible NGOs, civil societies, and religious bodies among others to ensure the donations go to the most vulnerable in all the states and local governments across Nigeria.
She said the Foundation is guided by a vision of empowering Africans to achieve their self-actualization and full potential as it believes that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
It would be recalled that the ADF, recently flagged off the distribution of over 1,000,000, (One million) bags of 10kg rice across all the 774 local governments in Nigeria in Kano and Lagos respectively.
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, who is also the Chairman of ADF, was present at both the flagging-off ceremony in Kano and Lagos, where 120,000 and 80,000 bags of 10kg rice were distributed to both Kano and Lagos states respectively said he has resolved to do all within his powers to assist all the tiers of the Government in alleviating poverty in Nigeria.
Dangote said the food intervention programme, demonstrates his foundation’s commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity. Dangote said the initiative is a crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges faced by our nation.
He also emphasised the importance of compassion and generosity during the holy month of Ramadan, stressing that, all stakeholders must play a part, in supporting the government to alleviate hunger in the land. “Our distribution of rice symbolises our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity, which are at the core of our humanity.” ADF will spearhead the food intervention programme and will run from March to early April 2024.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Kano, the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, urged other wealthy Nigerians to emulate Aliko Dangote by supporting the government in the provision of palliative to cushion the harsh economic condition in the country, he said: “I do not have enough words to express my heartfelt gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote on behalf of the good people of Kano State. “This is because the gesture he is offering today will undoubtedly alleviate the burden of many families facing economic hardship in our state. I urge all other wealthy individuals and businesses in our community to take heed of this noble example set by the Dangote Group and extend similar gestures of support to those in need in our dear state.”
In the same vein, Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu of Lagos State said the gesture of distribution of 80,000 bags of 10kg rice shows that the leadership of the Foundation prioritizes the welfare of the people beyond the pursuit of profit and accumulation of wealth.
The Governor said: “Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian that has chosen to be different. You have choices but you have made the right one which, is caring for the vulnerable. I appreciate Mr. Aliko Dangote for extending his kind gestures to the people at the bottom of the pyramid and we are grateful for supporting us in government. There is a lot of global disruption in different parts of the world, and it is a tough time to be in a position of leadership,” he said.
While encouraging other wealthy Nigerians to emulate Dangote, the Governor said the distribution of rice, to the vulnerable, would support the initiative of the state in addressing the effects of the economic hardship.
Group Executive Director of Commercial Operations at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Fatima Aliko-Dangote, noted that the flag-off in Lagos is a follow-up to the 120,000 bags distributed in Kano last Saturday.
“We have been doing this for a while but we didn’t publicize it because our chairman believes this is between him and God but this year we decided to publicize it so that we can encourage and inspire others to do so.
“There are many other things the Dangote Foundation is also doing. We are also serving 2,500 breads all over Lagos daily. We started this in 2020 during COVID-19. Also in our hometown in Kano, we have been doing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the past 35 years. The foundation has invested in many things. Years back, we gave women some money to be able to invest in their businesses,” she said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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