Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the Aliko Dangote Foundation, has distributed food items to different segments of the population in the state as part of the 2025 National Food Intervention Programme.

The state governor, Dapo Abiodun, who spoke during the distribution, which took place at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the gesture was part of the efforts of the state government and Dangote Foundation to provide succour to the people during this trying period.

Abiodun, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tokunbo Talabi, said that the Foundation had been partnering with the state in various sectors, including health, empowerment, and security, noting that it played an important role during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as supported the security architecture with patrol vans, among other contributions.

“When corporate organisations engage in initiatives like this, we should highlight them so that others can learn from it. Not everything is about coming, making money, and leaving.

“This is a gesture that should be replicated by every corporate entity because you have to empathise with the people, and I think what the Dangote Foundation has done is to consistently prioritise care for people.

“To our market women, don’t say that someone brought it to you and you are now selling it. The rice is meant to be given to the people free of charge. It is for empowerment,” he said.

The governor, therefore, cautioned against the sale of the items, stating that anyone caught selling them would face consequences. In her welcome address, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Funmi Efuape, acknowledged the support the Dangote Foundation has given to the state and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives it has undertaken for its host communities.

The Head of Operations, Dangote Group, Victor Edero, in his goodwill message, said the Dangote Foundation, established 30 years ago, focuses on three core areas: health, empowerment, and nutrition.

He said that the initiative was borne out of the current economic situation where people find it difficult to make ends meet, adding that the Foundation is partnering with the state government to bring succour to the less privileged in the society, calling for equitable distribution to all beneficiaries.

Iyaloja-General of Ogun State, Yemisi Abbas, appreciated the Dangote Group for always identifying with the people, calling on it to initiate a loan scheme as a form of empowerment to eradicate poverty in the state.

Representatives of the People Living with Disabilities, the Trade Council, and student bodies lauded the state government for always seeking ways to mitigate the people’s suffering, stating that the collaboration with Dangote is an indication that the government and the private sector can work together for the good of the people.