Aliko Dangote Foundation’s Free Rice Sparks Joy in Ibese, Itori, and Ijebu-Igbo

Published By Jerry Adesewo On Jun 30, 2025

Aliko Dangote Foundation’s Free Rice Sparks Joy in Ibese, Itori, and Ijebu-Igbo

By Charity Onah

Ogun State, Nigeria – June 26, 2025 — Excitement filled the air across over 30 host communities in Ogun State as the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) extended its National Food Intervention Programme, distributing more than 3,000 bags of rice to vulnerable households in Ibese, Itori, and Ijebu-Igbo.

From the palaces of the Aboro of Ibese, Oba Rotimi Mulero, and the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akamo, to the compounds of the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo and Sopenlukale of Oke-Sopen, thousands of residents turned out to receive the much-needed support, which many described as reminiscent of the iconic “Operation Feed the Nation” programme of the 1970s.

Speaking at the event, Oba Mulero praised Aliko Dangote and his foundation for their continued commitment to food security and poverty alleviation.

“We were here last year and again this year. This is beyond philanthropy—it is compassion in action. Dangote is reviving a spirit we once knew as Operation Feed the Nation. We are proud to be part of this renewed legacy,” the monarch said.

He noted that the food relief targeted the elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income families, most affected by Nigeria’s current economic challenges. He also highlighted longstanding cooperation between Dangote Cement and the communities, particularly in the areas of capacity building, empowerment, and social infrastructure.

In Itori, Oba Akamo expressed gratitude that, despite the Dangote Cement plant in the area still being under construction, the community was included in the food outreach.

“Dangote has honoured his promise. Our people are ready to support the factory and welcome the development it brings. This rice distribution is a hopeful beginning,” he said.

At Ijebu-Igbo, residents gathered at the palace grounds to collect their share of relief packages, praising the initiative for directly touching lives in an era when food insecurity continues to rise.

Victor Edero, who represented the Aliko Dangote Foundation at the event, said the food distribution was part of a broader plan to complement government efforts on food security by ensuring that rice and other essentials reach all 774 local government areas of the country.

“The economic downturn has made basic staples unaffordable for many families. That’s why we’re prioritising our host communities like Ibese and beyond, ensuring we reach the most vulnerable,” he said.

Edero emphasized that the foundation was committed to ensuring fair and equitable distribution, with a focus on women, the elderly, and the disadvantaged.

Beneficiaries across the communities described the programme as a model for public-private partnerships that directly address the needs of everyday Nigerians. Many were visibly emotional, expressing how the food packages would help them cope during tough times.

The latest intervention comes shortly after the Foundation distributed 40,000 bags of 10kg rice across all 20 local government areas of Ogun State, under its wider National Food Relief Programme, which continues to gain momentum amid Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat hunger and inflation.

With smiles on their faces and gratitude in their voices, community members hailed the initiative as not just a gesture of goodwill but a lifeline in difficult times.
As Oba Mulero summed it up:

“With acts like this, Dangote is feeding the nation—one community at a time.”