The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has commenced the distribution of 35,000 bags of 10kg rice to vulnerable persons in the 21 local government areas (LGAs) of Adamawa.

Speaking during the flag-off on Saturday in Yola, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa expressed appreciation to the ADF for the gesture.

Mr Fintiri, represented by the state Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Ibrahim Mijinyawa, said the gesture was timely.

“Adamawa State has received 35,000 bags of 10 kg rice, which are to be distributed across 21 LGAs as a humanitarian gesture by the Aliko Dangote Foundation.

“This gesture will definitely help more beneficiaries, especially in this hardship period,” he said.

Mr Fintiri assured ADF and the residents that the rice would be judiciously distributed to the targeted beneficiaries.

“As you can see, the council chairmen are here for equity distribution. We include religious leaders to make sure that the gesture reaches its destination,” he said.

Bello Danmusa, group general manager of operations at the Dangote Sugar Refinery, Numan, spoke on behalf of the foundation and said the gesture was to cushion the effect of economic hardship on the citizens.

“We are here as part of the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s humanitarian gesture to present to the Adamawa government a total of 35,000 bags of rice to cushion the effect of economic hardship on the citizens, especially the vulnerable persons in the state,” he said.

Also speaking, Gambo Jika, chairman of the Adamawa Muslim Council, thanked the foundation and prayed to God to continue to bless ADF.

“We sincerely appreciate, and it came at the right time, the last 10 days of Ramadan,” he said.

Mr Jika, however, urged the distribution committees at the local government level to emulate the state’s committee for a successful exercise.

(NAN)