The Ogun State Government, in partnership with the Aliko Dangote Foundation, has commenced the distribution of food items to vulnerable groups across the state, including people living with disabilities, widows, market women, youth groups, and others.
The distribution, which is part of the 2025 National Food Intervention Programme, took place at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Speaking at the event, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, said the initiative is one of many collaborative efforts between the state and the Dangote Foundation aimed at easing the burden of economic hardship on residents.
“This is a gesture that should be replicated by every corporate entity,” the governor said. “You have to empathize with the people, and what the Dangote Foundation has done is to consistently prioritize care for the people.”
He emphasized the Foundation’s long-standing partnership with the state, citing its support in health, empowerment, and security. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, they played a critical role. They’ve also assisted with patrol vans to strengthen our security architecture,” he added.
Governor Abiodun issued a firm warning to beneficiaries and traders against selling the food items, particularly the rice distributed at the event.
“To our market women, don’t say someone brought it to you and you’re now selling it. The rice is meant to be given to the people free of charge; it is for empowerment,” he warned. “Anyone caught selling it will face consequences.”
Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs. Funmi Efuape, praised the Dangote Foundation for its consistent support and for being a socially responsible corporate partner. She noted that the Foundation had made meaningful interventions across the state, especially for its host communities.
In his remarks, Mr. Victor Edero, Head of Operations at the Dangote Group, stated that the Foundation—established 30 years ago—focuses on health, empowerment, and nutrition.
“With the present economic challenges, this effort is to bring relief to families who are finding it difficult to make ends meet,” Edero said. “Our partnership with the Ogun State Government is to ensure that support reaches those who need it most. We call on community leaders to ensure fair distribution.”
Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Mrs. Yemisi Abbas, thanked the Dangote Foundation for always identifying with the people. She called on the Group to go further by introducing a loan scheme to economically empower traders and eradicate poverty in the state.
Various stakeholders, including representatives of persons with disabilities, the trade council, student bodies, and community leaders, applauded the initiative, describing it as a shining example of public-private collaboration.
“This shows that the government and private sector can work together for the benefit of the people,” a representative of the trade council said.
Bags of rice were distributed to groups including Community Development Associations, widows, trade unions, youth bodies, market women, artisans, and people living with disabilities, who are expected to further distribute the items to their members.
