OYO PARTNERS DANGOTE FOUNDATION TO EASE HARDSHIP WITH RICE DISTRIBUTION

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By: Fasasi Hammad

The Oyo State Government has partnered with the Aliko Dangote Foundation to distribute 30,000 bags of 10kg rice to vulnerable residents across the state in a bid to ease the effects of the current economic challenges.

The distribution exercise, held on Monday at the Local Government Training School in Agodi, Ibadan, marked the second phase of the Oyo State Government–Aliko Dangote Foundation Food Relief Outreach under the state’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery programme.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Musibau Babatunde, said the initiative was aimed at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of disadvantaged groups, including widows, persons living with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable residents.

He noted that beneficiaries were drawn from all 33 local government areas of the state to ensure broad coverage and equitable distribution.

Babatunde commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation for supporting the programme, describing the intervention as a reflection of the value of public-private partnerships in tackling poverty and food insecurity. He also encouraged other private-sector organisations to complement government efforts through impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

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Earlier, the Head of Operations at the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Lagos, Edero Ejiro, said the rice distribution was part of the foundation’s nationwide food relief campaign designed to cushion the impact of economic hardship on vulnerable Nigerians.

According to him, 30,000 bags of 10kg rice were allocated to Oyo State for widows, the underprivileged, and other vulnerable groups, adding that similar interventions are being implemented across the country in collaboration with state governments.

Ejiro praised Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritising food security and the welfare of vulnerable residents, assuring that the foundation would continue to work with the state to improve living conditions for those in need.

He also lauded members of the distribution committee for their transparency and commitment during the first phase of the programme and urged beneficiaries to share the support with others where possible.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Ayodele Adekanmbi, expressed gratitude to the state government and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for extending assistance to vulnerable households.

Some beneficiaries, including Adijat Akinsolotu and Muyideen Oyenike, welcomed the intervention, saying it would help cushion the impact of rising food prices on their families.

The event was attended by government officials, community representatives, and beneficiaries from all 33 local government areas of Oyo State.