Oyo State Government and the Aliko Dangote Foundation begin the second phase of a food relief programme to support vulnerable households across all 33 local government areas
The Oyo State Government, in partnership with the Aliko Dangote Foundation, on Monday commenced the distribution of 30,000 bags of 10kg rice to vulnerable residents across the state, strengthening ongoing efforts to cushion the impact of economic hardship and rising food prices.
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The exercise, held at the Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, marked the second phase of the Oyo State Government and Aliko Dangote Foundation Food Relief Outreach under the state’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery initiative.
Representing the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Musibau Babatunde, said the intervention was designed to improve the welfare of vulnerable groups, including widows, older persons, people living with disabilities and other disadvantaged residents.
“The programme aims to alleviate poverty among residents and improve the welfare of the residents, especially the socially disadvantaged groups, including widows, the underprivileged, people living with disabilities, the aged and other vulnerable people,” Babatunde said.
He added that beneficiaries were drawn from all 33 local government areas of Oyo State to ensure equitable distribution of the food support.
Babatunde commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation for sustaining its humanitarian interventions, describing the initiative as a reflection of the growing partnership between the state government and the private sector.
He urged more corporate organisations to complement government efforts through meaningful corporate social responsibility programmes aimed at reducing poverty and tackling food insecurity.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation, the Head of Operations, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Lagos, Mr Edero Ejiro, said the distribution formed part of the foundation’s nationwide food relief programme targeted at vulnerable Nigerians.
“Thirty thousand bags of 10kg rice will be distributed to the vulnerable, widows and underprivileged in Oyo to cushion the effect of economic hardship,” Ejiro said.
“The distribution in Oyo is part of several planned interventions across the country, as the foundation continues its partnership with state governments to address poverty and food insecurity.”
Ejiro praised Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritising food security and supporting vulnerable households, expressing confidence that the collaboration would continue to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged residents across the state.
He also commended members of the distribution committee for what he described as their transparency and diligence during the first phase of the exercise, while encouraging beneficiaries to extend kindness to others whenever possible.
In his vote of thanks, the Director General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, appreciated both Governor Makinde and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for extending support to vulnerable families during a period of economic strain.
Some beneficiaries described the intervention as timely.
Adijat Akinsolotu said the rice distribution would help reduce the pressure on households struggling with the rising cost of food, while Muyideen Oyenike expressed gratitude to the state government and the foundation for remembering vulnerable members of society.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters, Olufemi Timothy, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Interfaith, Olufemi Ibikunle, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Relations, Nwosu Innocent, as well as beneficiaries representing the state’s 33 local government areas.
The intervention comes as governments, private organisations and development partners continue to roll out food assistance and social support programmes in response to persistent inflation and the high cost of living.
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The Aliko Dangote Foundation has, in recent years, expanded its nationwide humanitarian initiatives, partnering with state governments to distribute food items, strengthen healthcare delivery and support education, while complementing public efforts to improve the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
