No fewer than 40,000 bags of rice are to be distributed to residents of Borno through the Food Intervention Programme of the Aliko Dangote Foundation.

Governor Babagana Zulum said this in Maiduguri at the flag-off of the distribution of the 10kg bags of rice.

The governor said the gesture would cushion the effect of the hardship in the state.

The ADF penultimate week commenced the distribution of one million bags of rice across the 774 local government areas in the country.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to alleviate the suffering of our people, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan,” Mr Zulum said.

He said that the donation was a testament to the foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting social welfare.

“We are deeply thankful to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the entire foundation for their kindness and philanthropy,” he said.

The governor urged the people of Borno to continue to pray for peace, stability and prosperity for the state and country.

Earlier, the representative of the ADF, Usman Muhammad, said the gesture was aimed at supporting the government’s effort.

According to him, the foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

Mr Muhammad said the donation was targeted at the poor and the vulnerable in the state.

A beneficiary, Aisha Modu, 50, said that as a displaced person, the donation of rice by the ADF would go a long way in alleviating her hardship.

Another beneficiary, Umaru Aliyu, 60, said he would use the rice to feed his six children.

He prayed to God to continue to bless the chairman of the foundation, Aliko Dangote.

(NAN)