ASABA/Nigeria: The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) on Tuesday marked another milestone in its humanitarian journey with the flag-off of a food support programme in Asaba, the Delta State capital, distributing 10,000 bags of 10kg rice to vulnerable individuals and families across the state.
The event, held at the Government House grounds, attracted top government officials, community leaders, and beneficiaries, underscoring a shared commitment to easing the impact of economic hardship on the poor and less privileged.
In his address, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described the gesture as a profound expression of compassion and humanity, which aligns perfectly with his administration’s MORE Agenda, focused on welfare, inclusion, and sustainable development for all Deltans.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Governor said the donation transcends material value, symbolizing a renewed call for empathy and shared responsibility among Nigerians.
“While the rice distributed here today may not feed everyone, it represents something much greater, the spirit of care, compassion, and shared humanity,” Oborevwori stated. “If each of us gives a little of what we have to our neighbours, the world would indeed become a better place.”
He commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Foundation for their enduring commitment to human welfare and community development, describing the organization as one of Africa’s most impactful philanthropic institutions.
“Alhaji Dangote’s compassion and dedication to humanity stand as an inspiration to all. He is not doing this for recognition or politics, but out of a genuine desire to make life better for others,” the Governor said.
Governor Oborevwori also stressed the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government in addressing socio-economic challenges, noting that partnerships like the Dangote initiative complement state-led welfare programmes.
He highlighted his administration’s own social support interventions, including monthly stipends for widows, healthcare enrolments, and empowerment initiatives across ministries, all designed to improve livelihoods and promote social equity.
Oborevwori, however, urged officials involved in the rice distribution to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability, emphasizing that the items must reach the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, orphanages, and other genuine beneficiaries.
Speaking on behalf of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Victor Ejiro, Head of Operations, said the Delta leg of the distribution was part of the Foundation’s nationwide food relief programme covering all 774 Local Government Areas across Nigeria.
“We are delighted to be in Delta State today for the official presentation of 10,000 bags of rice to support vulnerable individuals and families,” Ejiro said. “The Foundation, established over 30 years ago, remains a beacon of hope, with ongoing interventions in health, education, empowerment, and nutrition.”
He explained that the rice distribution targets artisans, widows, market women, and persons with disabilities, noting that local councils are playing a crucial role in ensuring the items reach intended recipients directly within their communities.
In her remarks, the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. Pat Ajudua, praised the initiative as timely and impactful, especially given the rising cost of living and prolonged hardship affecting vulnerable groups.
“Every effort aimed at making life easier for our people is commendable and necessary,” Ajudua said. “We believe this initiative marks the beginning of even greater collaborations. As we say in Delta, we are always asking for more, and we are always giving more.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council and Chairman of ALGON in Delta State, Chief Isaiah Esiovwa, thanked the Foundation for demonstrating compassion through practical support.
“On behalf of the 25 local government chairmen in Delta State, I must say that this gesture is truly commendable,” Esiovwa stated. “The Foundation has set an example of service that reflects the values we uphold as leaders at the grassroots level.”
Beneficiaries of the distribution included the physically challenged, the elderly, widows, orphanages, ex-lepers, and members of both the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim community.
The event reaffirmed the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s reputation as a leading force for humanitarian relief and community empowerment in Nigeria, while strengthening the synergy between public and private efforts to combat hunger and poverty in Delta State.
