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Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Oborevwori Lauds Dangote’s Philanthropic Vision

… As Aliko Dangote Foundation Donates 10,000 Bags Rice To Vulnerable People

By Sunday Egede

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his philanthropic vision for humanity which, he said, aligns with his administration’s MORE Agenda that prioritises welfare, inclusion, and sustainable development for all Deltans.

Governor Oborevwori made the commendation at the flag off ceremony of Aliko Dangote Foundation National Food Intervention Programme where 10,000 bags of 10kg rice were distributed to vulnerable and the less privileged in the state.

The Governor who was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, said his administration will continue to create opportunities that will enhance the socio-economic lives of Deltans, even as it welcome partnerships that support its goals of inclusive growth and community well-being.

He noted that the gesture of Aliko Dangote Foundation was not only symbolic but deeply meaningful, saying “while the rice distributed here today may not feed everyone, it represents something much greater — the spirit of care, compassion, and shared humanity.

“If each of us gives a little of what we have to our neighbours, the world would indeed become a better place,” adding that the Aliko Dangote Foundation stands out as one of Africa’s largest and most impactful philanthropic organisations, touching millions of lives across the continent.

While saying that the Foundation is the largest donor foundation in Sub-Saharan Africa, committed to uplifting communities and supporting human welfare, the Governor noted that government alone cannot do everything.

“In Delta State, we recognise that government alone cannot do everything. The challenges of today’s economy require all hands to be on deck. This donation complements our existing interventions to cushion the effects of hardship on the vulnerable.

“For instance, this administration currently supports 10,000 widows, each receiving ₦15,000 monthly, amounting to ₦150 million every month and ₦1.8 billion annually.

“Beyond financial support, these widows are also enrolled in the Contributory Health Scheme to ensure access to healthcare — an additional ₦70 million annual investment by the state government.

“Furthermore, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs recently empowered 5,200 women through various livelihood programmes, while the Ministry of Women Affairs continues to champion initiatives for children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities” Governor Oborevwori added.

He pointed out that the Office of the Chief of Staff and other agencies had, also, implemented targeted interventions, reaching over 2,000 beneficiaries, explaining that the Ministry of Economic Planning, in partnership with development agencies, had extended empowerment to over 217,000 Deltans across multiple sectors.

These efforts, according to him, demonstrate that Delta State has built a solid foundation of care and empowerment, adding that the intervention by the Dangote Foundation has added even more value to what his administration is doing “and for that, we are sincerely grateful.”

He disclosed that the infrastructural development of his administration was not just about roads or bridges but about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and opening up rural communities for progress.

“Each project commissioned generates economic activity — from traders and artisans to transporters and food vendors — and that is why we say that infrastructure development is both social and economic investment,” the Governor stated.

He, therefore, warned against diversion of the rice meant for the vulnerable — the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, and orphanage homes.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. (Mrs.) Pat Ajudua who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Kevwe Agas, applauded the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its humanitarian intervention.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many families have continued to struggle, and the vulnerable have felt the harshest impact. Every effort aimed at making life easier for them is not only commendable but highly necessary,” the Commissioner added.

In his remarks, the Head of Operations, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Ejiro Victor said the Foundation has been in existence for over 30 years, actively supporting communities in key areas such as health, education, empowerment, and nutrition, adding that the rice distribution initiative, which began last year, was part of the Foundation’s ongoing national programme covering all 774 Local government areas across Nigeria.

He pointed out that the focus of the Foundation was on the vulnerable in the society — including artisans, market women, widows, and persons with disabilities, adding that they are working closely with local government councils to ensure that the items reach the intended beneficiaries directly in their communities.

“We are proud to partner with the Delta State Government, which has shown strong commitment to food security and welfare initiatives. This effort by the Foundation is meant to complement the state’s drive to cushion the effects of economic hardship on vulnerable families,” Mr. Victor said.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Association of Local Government Council of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa who expressed appreciation to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its gesture, implored beneficiaries of the intervention to make good use of the support.

The 10,000 bags of 10kg rice was allocated to the physically challenged persons and the elderly who got 1,500 bags; Ex-lepers got 500 bags; orphanages and charity homes got 1,500 bags; Christian Association of Nigeria got 1,000 bags; Muslim community representatives got 500 bags while 5,000 bags was for the 25 local government areas (200 bags each).

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