Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the Aliko Dangote Foundation, has distributed food items to different segments of the people in the state as part of the 2025 National Food Intervention Programme.
Speaking during the distribution event, which took place at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the gesture was part of the state government’s and Dangote Foundation’s efforts to provide succour to the people during this trying period.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, recalled that the group had been partnering with the state in various sectors, including health, empowerment, and security.
For instance, he noted that it played an important role during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as supported the security architecture with patrol vans, among other contributions.
Abiodun expatiated: “When corporate organizations 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 empathize with the people, and I think what the Dangote Foundation has done is to consistently prioritize care for people”, he added.
Abiodun cautioned against the sale of the items, stating that anyone caught selling them would face consequences.
He stressed: “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.”
In her welcome address, Ogun State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs. Funmi Efuape, acknowledged the support the Dangote Foundation had given to the state government and the various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives it had undertaken for its host communities nationwide.
The Head of Operations, Dangote Group, Mr. Victor Edero, in his goodwill message, said the Dangote Foundation, established 30 years ago, focused on three core areas: health, empowerment, and nutrition.
He noted 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 succor to the less privileged in society, calling for equitable distribution to all beneficiaries.
Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Mrs. Yemisi Abbas, commended 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 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.
At the occasion, representatives from Community Development Associations, Widows, Trade Council, Youth Council, market women, artisans, women’s groups, and People Living with Disabilities were given bags of rice for onward distribution to their members.
Photo Caption
L-R: Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor; Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo; Operations Manager, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Victor Edero; a beneficiary of the Ogun State Government/Aliko Dangote Foundation 2025 National Food Intervention Programme, Mr. Babatunde Abdullahi; Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi; and Ogun State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya; during the presentation of 10kg bag of rice to beneficiaries on Wednesday at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State
