Oyo State Partners Dangote Foundation to Feed 30,000 Vulnerable Citizens

In a collaborative effort on Monday, the Oyo State Government joined forces with the Aliko Dangote Foundation to distribute 10kg bags of rice to approximately 30,000 vulnerable individuals residing across the state. This initiative forms a crucial part of ongoing efforts to alleviate the severe impact of current economic hardship on citizens.

The distribution event, which took place at the Local Government Training School, situated within the Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, marks the second phase of the Oyo State Government–Dangote Foundation Food Relief Outreach. This outreach is a key component of the state’s broader Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery initiative.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, the Secretary to the State Government, whose address was delivered by Mr. Musibau Babatunde, the Permanent Secretary, highlighted the program's core objective: to reduce poverty levels and enhance the welfare of vulnerable segments of the population throughout Oyo State. He elaborated, stating, “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.” Mr. Babatunde further confirmed that the food items would be distributed across all demographic groups, with beneficiaries carefully selected from each of the state's 33 Local Government Areas.

Mr. Babatunde conveyed the state government’s profound appreciation to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for what he described as a commendable initiative dedicated to supporting its most vulnerable citizens. He added that, “The initiative reflects the state’s sustainable engagement with the private sector,” and called upon other private sector entities to complement government endeavors in tackling poverty and food insecurity through their corporate social responsibility programs.

Earlier in the event, Mr. Edero Ejiro, the Head of Operations for the Aliko Dangote Foundation in Lagos, explained that the intervention in Oyo State is an integral part of the foundation's nationwide food relief program. He stated, “30,000 bags of 10kg rice would be distributed to the vulnerable, widows and underprivileged in Oyo to cushion the effect of economic hardship.” Mr. Ejiro further noted that, “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.”

He praised Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for its unwavering commitment to ensuring food security and providing support to vulnerable residents, assuring that the foundation would maintain its partnership with the state to uplift the welfare of the underprivileged. Mr. Ejiro also commended members of the distribution committee for their transparency and diligence during the initial phase of the program, urging beneficiaries to extend similar kindness to others in need.

In his vote of thanks, Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, the Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for their support to vulnerable households through this timely intervention.

Two beneficiaries, Adijat Akinsolotu and Muyideen Oyenike, conveyed their heartfelt thanks to both the state government and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, emphasizing that the food support would significantly help ease the burden imposed by escalating food prices.

Among the notable dignitaries present at the event were Olufemi Timothy, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters; Olufemi Ibikunle, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Interfaith; and Nwosu Innocent, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Relations, alongside beneficiaries from all 33 local government areas of the state.