by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
At least twenty thousand (10kg) bags of rice of have been donated by Aliko Dangote, through the Dangote Group of Companies, to vulnerable persons in Plateau State.
The distribution exercise, which took place on Tuesday in Jos, was flagged-off by the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, at the old Government House.
While receiving the items, Mutfwang expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Dangote Group for their magnanimous support to the vulnerable in the state and urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate such exemplary acts of generosity.
The governor commended Dangote for his continuous contribution to the nation’s economy and for creating employment opportunities that had helped to address the issue of youth unemployment in the country.
“I want to express our profound gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote for this very kind gesture of giving back to society. This is truly worthy of commendation and emulation,” the governor said.
“He has demonstrated that, no matter how wealthy one is, without remembering the poor, such wealth holds little value.
“We are sincerely thankful for the risks he has taken to expand the Nigerian economy, especially his recent efforts in the oil and gas sector.
Furthermore, the governor said, “As a people, we wish him continued success in all his endeavours. On behalf of the vulnerable population in our state – the poorest of the poor – we say, Thank You; and pray that God rewards him abundantly.”
He also called on other philanthropists and well-spirited individuals to complement government efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the less-privileged, and assured that the State Government was actively taking steps to alleviate their plight.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Plateau, please, extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote. I will personally write to appreciate this gesture – but tell him that we need more,” he added.
Secretary of the Plateau Emergency Management Authority (PLASEMA), Mr Sunday Abdul, appreciated the Dangote Group for its intervention, assuring that the distribution would be carried out fairly and judiciously.
While appreciating, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said, “For your large heart, thank you, Your Excellency, for your inspiring leadership. Together, we are building a better future for Plateau State.
“We are confident this distribution will significantly ease the hardship faced by our most vulnerable citizens, and we look forward to further collaborations that uplift the lives of our people,” he said.
A representing of the Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Bashir Adamu-Kawu, who is the North-Central Zonal Manager, reiterated that the donation was part of their corporate social responsibility aimed at supporting the most vulnerable members of society.