From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has flagged off the distribution of 25,000 bags of 10kg rice donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation to vulnerable residents across the state’s 16 local government areas.
Speaking at the event in Ilorin on Tuesday, the Governor, represented by his Deputy, Kayode Alabi, described the donation as a testament to the impact of collaboration between the government and the private sector in addressing hardship.
“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,” AbdulRazaq stated.
He noted that the donation is timely, coming during Ramadan and Lent when many families struggle to afford basic food items. He encouraged more corporate bodies and philanthropists to emulate the Aliko Dangote Foundation in providing relief to those in need.
The Leader of the Dangote Foundation delegation and Group General Manager (Human Resources), of Dangote Cement Plc, Mallam Ahmed Gobir, revealed that the Foundation is distributing one million bags of rice nationwide this year. He explained that the Foundation chose to partner with state governments for better coordination of the distribution.
“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, including people living with disabilities,” Gobir said.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of beneficiaries, the State Chairman of the Joint National Association of People with Disabilities, Adeniyi Gbadamosi, commended the initiative, noting that it would help alleviate hunger among vulnerable groups.
“We are not surprised by this gesture today because the Kwara State Government has been supporting people with disabilities in the state. We are very grateful for this support through the Dangote Foundation,” he said.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development Abdullahi Bata, and ALGON Chairman Hon. Paul Zhiri.