The Kwara government on Tuesday flagged off the distribution of 25,000 bags of 10kg rice to indigent people across the 16 local government areas of the state. The rice was donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
The state government said the gesture demonstrates the power of partnership between the public and private sectors in lifting people out of hardship.
Speaking on behalf of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Ilorin, Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi said: “This gesture not only complements the ongoing efforts of the Kwara State Government to support vulnerable communities, but it also demonstrates the power of partnership between the public and private sectors in lifting our people out of hardship.”
Alabi, who commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its selfless contribution, added that “the rice, which will be distributed to indigent families across the state, comes at a crucial time, as our Muslim brothers and sisters observe the sacred month of Ramadan and our Christian brothers and sisters are in the season of Lent. It is an act of compassion that will provide much-needed relief to those who are fasting and in need.”
He also thanked other foundations and private sector players who continue to support and partner with the state government to better serve the people and encourage other individuals and corporations to follow in the footsteps of the Dangote Foundation and similar bodies.
The head of the Aliko Dangote Foundation delegation and Group General Manager (Human Resources) of Dangote Cement, Lagos, Ahmed Ladan Gobir, said the foundation is distributing a million bags of 10kg rice across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja this year.
“A total of 25,000 bags of 10kg rice have been allocated to Kwara State for distribution to the less privileged across the 16 local government areas of the state, and people living with disabilities, among others,” he said.
“Last year, the distribution was done through some non-governmental organisations. However, the Aliko Dangote Foundation decided to partner with respective state governments for the distribution this year.”
Gobir, who was a former commissioner in the state between 1997 and 1999, commended the AbdulRazaq administration for the progressive work it is doing in the state.
