The Aliko Dangote Foundation, in partnership with the Niger government, on Tuesday distributed 25,000 bags of 10kg rice to vulnerable households across the 25 local government areas.

The distribution exercise was inaugurated by the governor’s wife, Fatima Bago, at the Government House in Minna.

Mrs Bago described the intervention as timely, saying it demonstrated the impact of collaboration between philanthropic organisations and government in supporting vulnerable persons.

She said the donation would provide relief to many households and make the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration memorable for beneficiaries.

The governor’s wife commended the foundation for the gesture and urged officials handling the exercise to ensure that the items reached the intended beneficiaries.

Ahmed Hashimu, Dangote Industries’ general manager (Abuja office), said the intervention was aimed at bringing succour to vulnerable households in Niger.

Mr Hashimu added that the foundation had continued to implement interventions in critical sectors, including education and health.

Deputy Speaker Afiniki Dauda of the Niger State House of Assembly lauded the foundation and urged it to sustain its humanitarian support.

Hadiza Idris, commissioner for women’s affairs, said such interventions reassured citizens of the government’s commitment to improving their welfare through partnerships with well-meaning organisations.

(NAN)