In a bold move to combat hunger and support vulnerable Nigerians, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has launched its 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project with the distribution of one million 10kg bags of rice valued at N16 billion across the country.
The initiative, flagged off in Kano State on Thursday, aims to reach beneficiaries in all 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and easing the economic strain on the nation’s most disadvantaged populations.
Speaking at the event, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation — represented by his daughter, Marya Aliko Dangote — emphasized the project’s goal of tackling hunger and supporting communities facing economic hardship.
“This annual initiative, which embodies compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility, is part of our response to the current economic challenges. It reflects our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values,” Dangote stated.
In Kano State alone, 120,000 bags of rice will be distributed across the state’s 44 Local Government Areas. To ensure transparency, the state government has established a distribution committee composed of civil society organizations (CSOs), religious leaders, local authorities, and security agencies.
Kano State Governor, Abba K. Yusuf — represented by his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gworzo — commended Mr. Dangote’s relentless dedication to humanitarian efforts, describing him as “humane” and highlighting that similar food distribution events have been held in the past.
The Managing Director of ADF, Zouera Youssoufou, reiterated the Foundation’s mission, stating that the food distribution project is ADF’s way of giving back and supporting government efforts in the fight against poverty and hunger.
“Mr. Dangote is passionate about philanthropy and committed to ensuring that hunger is either wiped out or reduced to the minimum in Nigeria,” she told newsmen at the event.
The Hisbah Board’s Deputy Commander-General, Dr. Mujahid Aminudeen, praised the initiative and assured the public that the rice would reach its intended recipients.
A beneficiary, Ibrahim Ahmed, expressed gratitude on behalf of the vulnerable, offering prayers for Mr. Dangote’s continued success.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation has a strong history of humanitarian interventions, ranging from donations to combat the Ebola outbreak in 2014, significant support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and investments in education — including a N1.2 billion business school at Bayero University, Kano.
As the food intervention project expands to other states, the Foundation urges public-private partnerships to strengthen efforts in tackling hunger, underscoring that fighting food insecurity is a collective responsibility.
This latest initiative solidifies Aliko Dangote’s legacy of philanthropy, social responsibility, and community empowerment, making a direct impact on the lives of over one million Nigerians.
