Aliko Dangote Foundation Donates 40,000 Bags Of 10kg Rice To Ogun Muslim Community

Aliko Dangote Foundation has donated 40,000 bags of 10kg rice to Ogun State Muslim community under its National Food Intervention Programme, an initiative aimed at alleviating poverty and bringing succour to the less priviledged Nigerians admidst the biting economic hardship in the country

Vice President-General , Egba Zone of the Ogun State Muslim Council, Justice Demola Bakre flagging off the official distribution of the bags of rice in Abeokuta, the State capital on Thursday, to beneficiaries from different Muslim groups or organizations, described the food donations as an initiative to compliment government effort in the area of food production which was made possible by the collective efforts of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA),through its Ummah Care Initiative and President General of Ogun State Muslim Council, Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona

Justice Bakre who was represented by Secretary-General of the State Muslim Council, Alhaji Kamal-Deen Akintunde, explained that 32,000 of the 40,000 donated bags were distributed among various zones of the council with Egba and Ijebu Zones having 9,600 each, Yewa (8,000) and Remo (4,800) while the remaining 8, 000 bags were given out as Corporate Social Responsibility to communities where Dangote has its presence including Ibese, Itori, Ilaro, Igbogila and Ijebu -Igbo

"In actualising this Dangote Food Support initiative,the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA),through its Ummah Care Initiative which equally is to provide succour to the less privileged and the needy sought support of Dangote Foundation which has similar objective"

"The NSCIA,through the South West Muslim body,the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) engaged the Ogun State Muslim Counci OMC, like it did to its counterparts in other states to facilitate the distribution of the Dangote Rice food", he revealed

"This Dangote Foundation gesture could be said to be faith-likened,just as it is also a caring,friendly and supportive gesture that will promote good neighbourliness, unity and cohesion among Nigerians. Therefore those who have should continue to give those who have not as part of nationhood..It is on this note that I have the singular honour and privilege to flag off the Egba Dangote Foundation National Food Intervention Programme for the benefit of the people and as act of worship by the benefactor", he flagged off the distribution

Akintunde also represented the Vice- President General of Ijebu Zone of the council, Otunba Fatahi Arowolo during the formal flagging off of similar distribution at Ijebu-Ode Central Mosque to various Muslim groups and societies within the zone

Also speaking, Chairman of the Egba Zone of the Muslim Council, Alhaji Tunji

Kalejaiye described the support as a demonstration of commitment to the welfare of people, saying the donations will undoubtedly provide much-needed relief during these hard times and towards Eid-kabir celebration

"Dangote Group's philanthropic efforts serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of compassion and solidarity, let us continue to work together to build a more inclusive and compassionate society for all", he charged

Similarly Dangote Foundation represented by Head, Social Performance, Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant, Ogun State, Mr.Ademola Ojolowo expressed the commitment of the corporate organization through the foundation to always support the needy across the country

He explained that the National Food Intervention Programme was designed by Dangote Group to assist every Nigerian irrespective of ethics or religious beliefs

Equally, the Consultant to the Ogun State Government on Islamic Affairs and Wakeel Of Muslims, South West, Edo and Delta States Sheikh Iskeel Awwal popularly known as Sugar, appreciated the Dangote Group for the donations and urged those in charge of distribution to ensure fairness and justice in the distribution of bags of rice to the beneficiaries