As part of its national food intervention programme, the Aliko Dangote
Foundation has begun distributing bags of 10 kg rice to 10,000 vulnerable people in Anambra State. The Aliko Dangote Foundation is distributing one million 10kg bags of rice to vulnerable Nigerians across the thirty-six states. The foundation partners credible non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in various states for verifiable distribution.

Justice Development and Peace Caritas, (JDPC), an NGO established by the Awka Catholic Diocese is handling the distribution in Anambra State. Executive Director of JDPC, Awka Diocese, Reverend Father Levi Uko who addressed journalists at Ekwulobia, during the distribution exercise for Aguata Local Government Area said that Aliko Dangote Foundation chose JDPC for the distribution after a screening exercise.

He said “We are into the distribution of rice for Aliko Dangote Foundation. The foundation said they would not want government to be involved in the national food intervention programme.

“What we are delivering in all the twenty-one local government areas
of Anambra State is 10,000 bags of ten kilograms rice. We have been able to get to many local governments, including Orumba North and South, Dunukofia, Aguata and many more. We still have some more local government to deliver.”

“Our distribution process is that we use presidents general of town unions. Each community will get fifty bags of 10 kg rice, and because it is meant for indigent people, we have devised a means to ensure that the rice gets to the right people. What we do is that we request that while handing the bags over to indigent people, they take photographs and videos and send to us, which we also post on our platform to confirm that it got to the intended people” he added.

The foundation through JDPC also provided money to the community
leaders for movement of the rice to various communities.

In their various speeches, the President General of Aguluezechukwu Community, Mr Johnpaul Ezenwaka and a representative of Uga community, Mr Innocent Obiefuna while appreciating Aliko Dangote for the gesture said that this is the moves they have been praying for especially now that the economy is biting hard on people, praying God to continue to bless the benefactor.

With the distribution of one million bags of rice to vulnerable households across Nigeria it is expected that make a tangible difference will be made in the lives of those who are in the most need. This is because the impact of recent reforms by the government
has been profound particularly for vulnerable populations already
grappling with poverty and economic instability, including access to necessities such as food.