Niger First Lady Flags Off Distribution of 25,000 Bags of Rice, Urges Compassion, Support for Vulnerable Families
The Wife of the Governor of Niger State, Fatima Mohammed Bago, has called on Nigerians to embrace the culture of sharing, compassion and support for one another, particularly during festive periods, while discouraging the hoarding of food items and essential commodities.
She made the call during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of 25,000 bags of 10kg rice donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation to vulnerable households across the 25 local government areas of Niger State.
Speaking at the event, Hajiya Fatima Bago described the intervention as timely and significant, especially as Muslim faithful celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, noting that kindness and generosity remain important values in promoting unity and reducing hardship among citizens.
She urged individuals, traders and organisations to uphold the spirit of giving and avoid unnecessary hoarding of staple foods and other necessities, stressing that such actions increase the burden on vulnerable families already facing economic challenges.
The First Lady expressed appreciation to the foundation for its continued humanitarian support, saying the donation would provide relief to thousands of households and enable many families to celebrate the festive season with greater comfort and dignity.
She also commended Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, for what she described as his commitment to improving the welfare of residents through people-focused policies, agricultural initiatives and social intervention programmes.
Fatima Bago further urged officials overseeing the distribution exercise to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability to guarantee that the items reach intended beneficiaries across the state.
In his remarks, Alhaji Ahmed Hashimu, General Manager of Dangote Industries Limited, Abuja Office, said the intervention was aimed at providing support for vulnerable households, adding that the foundation remains committed to interventions in healthcare, education and humanitarian development.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Dauda, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hadiza Idris, and other government officials.
The ceremony featured symbolic presentations of rice to selected beneficiaries, officially marking the commencement of distribution across the state.
Niger First Lady Flags Off Distribution of 25,000 Bags of Rice, Urges Compassion, Support for Vulnerable Families