Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Friday flagged off the distribution of 12,000 bags of 10kg rice donated to the state by the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
Nigerian Pilot reports the event which took place at the Remeritona Hotel, Abakaliki, was an initiative aimed at mitigating the effects of economic hardship and promoting food security, will benefit vulnerable groups across the state’s 13 local government areas, including widows, market women, artisans, and persons with disabilities.
In his address, Governor Nwifuru represented by the State Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Chief (Mrs.) Ann Aligwe commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its sustained partnership with the state government in improving the living conditions of citizens.
He described the donation as a demonstration of compassion and a shared commitment to eradicating hunger and hardship in society.
Nwifuru disclosed of releasing fund to procure some other food items including bags of garri, cartons of noodles such as indomie, spaghetti, macaroni, among others for simultaneous distribution to the people of Ebonyi State especially the vulnerable.
“During our campaign, we promised to take care of our people, build roads, provide shelter, and ensure that no one goes hungry.
"Today, that promise is being fulfilled with the support of the Dangote Foundation. Each of you here will receive a 10kg bag of rice, while the remaining bags will be distributed across all local government areas to reach the grassroots,” the governor said.
Governor Nwifuru explained that 650 beneficiaries, drawn from five key social groups including market women, artisans, widows, persons with disabilities, and traders were selected to symbolically receive the first batch of the donation.
According to him, each local government area nominated 50 beneficiaries to participate in the flag-off exercise.
He further directed that the remaining rice be handed over to local government chairmen for equitable distribution to communities and households across the state, assuring transparency and inclusiveness in the process.
Governor Nwifuru reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue prioritizing citizens’ welfare and promoting inclusive governance.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Ebonyian feels the positive impact of this administration. This flag-off marks another step in our collective journey toward a prosperous and hunger-free Ebonyi State,” he added.
Representing the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Victor Ejiro reaffirmed the organization’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian interventions in Nigeria.
“The Dangote Foundation has been active for over three decades in areas such as education, health, nutrition, and empowerment.
"We are partnering with the Ebonyi State Government to strengthen its food security initiatives. We are impressed by the state’s level of organization and transparent distribution model, which ensures that the rice reaches those who need it most,” Ejiro stated.
The Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (EB-SEMA), Dr. Kenneth Ovuoba, lauded both the state government and the Dangote Foundation for their collaboration, describing the exercise as a proactive step toward achieving zero hunger and enhancing community resilience.
Delivering goodwill messages on behalf of the 13 local government areas, the State ALGON Chairman, Prince Chinedu Uburu, commended Governor Nwifuru for his consistent humanitarian efforts since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
“Since taking office, His Excellency has continued to provide palliatives, food items, and financial support to the people of Ebonyi State.
This partnership with the Dangote Foundation further underscores his passion for human capital development and social welfare,” Uburu said.
Other council chairmen including Chief Ebere Nwogba (Abakaliki), Chief (Mrs.) Peace Ifeoma Agwu (Ishielu), Chief (Mrs.) Euphemia Nwali (Ezza South), and Chief Ikechukwu Ogbofia (Onicha) alongside community representatives, also appreciated the Dangote Foundation for its generosity.
They pledged to ensure that the donated rice reaches the intended beneficiaries in their respective local government areas.
They further commended the First Lady of Ebonyi State, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, for her impactful contributions through her pet project, Better Health for Rural Women and Children (BOWO), which complements the governor’s social development initiatives.
Beneficiaries including Okochocha Anthony, Mary Ngozi Otu, Matthew Uchechukwu, and Blessing Chukwu, among others, expressed gratitude to Governor Nwifuru and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, praying for continued blessings upon them as they serve humanity.
The Nigerian Pilot reports that the distribution of the rice will continue in the coming days across all 13 local government areas of the state, under the supervision of council chairmen, traditional rulers, and community-based organizations to ensure fairness and accountability.
