Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person (net worth $15.1 billion) and chairman of Dangote Group, Africa’s most diversified manufacturing group, has begun distributing 10,000 kilograms of rice to indigent people in Anambra State, a Nigerian state located in the southeastern region, through his foundation, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).
The distribution, handled by the nongovernmental organization Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), an organization owned by the Awka Catholic Diocese, is taking place at the local government level.
The move adds to the foundation’s recent efforts to alleviate economic hardships and address critical social issues in Nigeria. Earlier this year, the foundation unveiled a N15-billion ($11.02 million) food intervention program. The program commenced in Kano with the distribution of 120,000 bags of rice, with plans to expand to all 774 local government areas across Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.
Dangote Foundation supports Anambra’s food needs
Executive Director of JDPC Awka Diocese Levi Uko, who addressed journalists at Ekwulobia during the distribution exercise for Aguata Local Government Area, explained that JDPC was chosen for the distribution in Anambra after a screening process. “We’re handling rice distribution for the Aliko Dangote Foundation,” Uko said. “The foundation prefers to keep government involvement out of the national food intervention program.”
He added, “We’re delivering 100,000 kilograms of rice across all 21 local government areas of Anambra State. Naturally, some local governments are larger than others, so the distribution varies accordingly.”
Dangote, known for his philanthropic efforts and vast fortune, has been a key player in promoting food security and social welfare in Nigeria. As the head of Dangote Group, which includes a major player in agriculture, Dangote Group, he has supported local farmers and advocated for food fortification to combat malnutrition and enhance agricultural productivity.
Dangote Foundation: Transforming lives across Africa
The Aliko Dangote Foundation, established in 1981, spearheads education, healthcare, and economic empowerment initiatives across Africa. The Nigerian billionaire ranks as the world’s richest Black person and 135th on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
As food insecurity tightens its grip on Nigeria, Dangote’s initiative offers a lifeline to millions facing hunger. Through his unparalleled philanthropy and business acumen, he continues to inspire positive change, setting a strong example of corporate social responsibility in Africa’s economic powerhouse.
