Nwifuru Partners Dangote group, distribute 12000 bags of rice, other items to tackle hunger

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

Ebonyi state government has announced it’s partnership with the Dangote foundation, and however, distributed 12,000 bags of 10kg rice to ammilorate hunger and suffering in the rural areas.

The state governor, Francis Nwifuru who spoke during the official flag- off of the distribution of the 12,000 bags of Aliko Dangote rice at the Remeritona Hotel, Abakaliki, said his administration is committed to ensure that the welfare of the people are solved.

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 stated that the initiative is 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.

Nwifuru announced the release of 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.

He 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.

“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.

Responding, the representative of 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), 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.

The Nations News reports that the flag off was attended by chairmen of local government areas; Ebere Nwogba (Abakaliki), (Mrs.) Peace Ifeoma Agwu (Ishielu), (Mrs.) Euphemia Nwali (Ezza South), and Ikechukwu Ogbofia (Onicha) alongside community representatives.

The Chairmen pledged to ensure that the donated rice reaches the intended beneficiaries in their respective local government areas.

Beneficiaries; Okochocha Anthony, Mary Ngozi Otu, Matthew Uchechukwu, and Blessing Chukwu, among others, expressed gratitude to the state government and Aliko Dangote Foundation for coming to their rescue from hardship.