Toba Owojaiye reporting
At least 40,000 vulnerable families in Borno State are set to benefit from the Aliko Dangote Food Intervention Programme, aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship during the holy month of Ramadan.
Truth Live News gathered that Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Director-General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Ali Abdullahi Isa, flagged off the distribution of 40,000 bags of 10kg rice donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) on Wednesday in Maiduguri. The initiative is part of a broader national relief programme, in which one million bags of rice worth N16 billion are being distributed across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
Governor Zulum praised the initiative, describing it as a “significant milestone” in the collective efforts to ease the suffering of residents, particularly those affected by insecurity and displacement.
“This generous donation is a testament to the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting social welfare. We are deeply thankful to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the entire Foundation for their kindness and philanthropy,” Zulum said.
The governor also urged the people of Borno to continue praying for peace, stability, and prosperity in the state and the country at large.
Speaking at the event, the ADF representative, Mr. Usman Muhammad, emphasized that the intervention aligns with the Foundation’s mission to improve the living conditions of Nigerians, particularly during challenging economic times.
“Our focus remains on supporting government efforts and reaching the most vulnerable. This donation is targeted at those in dire need, including internally displaced persons, the elderly, and families struggling to afford basic necessities,” Muhammad stated.
For many beneficiaries, the rice donation is a lifeline in the face of rising food prices and economic difficulties.
Ms. Aisha Modu, 50, a displaced person, expressed gratitude, saying the assistance would go a long way in alleviating her economic hardship.
“As someone who has been struggling to feed my family, this rice will help us survive through Ramadan. May God bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his generosity,” she said.
Similarly, Umaru Aliyu, 60, a father of six, noted that the rice would help sustain his family.
“With the current cost of food, this donation means a lot. I pray for continuous blessings upon the Dangote Foundation,” he added.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation has remained one of Nigeria’s largest private contributors to humanitarian aid, especially in conflict-affected regions like the North-East. This latest intervention underscores the Foundation’s continued commitment to tackling hunger, poverty, and displacement—issues that have worsened due to insurgency and economic instability.
As the distribution continues across the country, the initiative serves as a beacon of hope for millions struggling with food insecurity, reaffirming the role of private philanthropy in national development.