Over one million Nigerians nationwide will receive a 10kg bag of rice each as the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) Thursday launched the 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project valued at N16billion.

Speaking at the ceremony in Kano, the Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Aliko Dangote, said the distribution of one million bags of 10kg rice to the poor and most vulnerable Nigerians in the 774 Local Government Areas is in line with the core values of his company and Foundation.

Dangote, who was represented by his daughter Marya Aliko Dangote said: “This annual initiative, which embodies compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility, is part of our response to the current economic challenges facing our nation. It reflects our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values.”

He said the Foundation was kicking off the distribution in Kano State, after which it will proceed to other states while ensuring that the food reaches those who need it most in all the Local Government Areas of Nigeria.

Mr. Dangote who is Africa’s wealthiest person said Food remains a basic human necessity, and this is why the Aliko Dangote Foundation adopted the practice of embarking on a food distribution program across the States.

“We are collaborating with state governments to ensure that the food reaches the most vulnerable individuals in each state,” he added.

Ladies and gentlemen, our Foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians through support for projects that tackle hunger and water supply problems, strengthen the quality and scope of health and education, and promote economic empowerment at the community level
“Your Excellency, I believe that today’s event will help in tackling hunger and helping the most vulnerable people in breaking their fast.

“We are playing our role in enhancing the living conditions of our people. I urge other industrialists and firms to lend a helping hand in combating hunger through programs and initiatives that will place food on the tables of vulnerable Nigerians.
“This job should not be left to the government alone, rather we need a public-private partnership that will help us in fighting the scourge.

“I commend the government at all levels for its efforts in addressing the food crisis. I am certain that with time, we shall overcome these challenges, therefore let us support the government to achieve its target of a better life for Nigerians, “he said.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, who flagged off the Annual National Food Intervention Project said the intervention reflects the unwavering commitment of Mr. Dangote in addressing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gworzo said 120,000 bags of 10kg rice will be distributed across the 44 Local Government Areas of the State.

He described Mr. Dangote as humane, adding that: “A similar event took place last year where he oversaw the distribution of foodstuff to the poor in this very arena.”
To ensure transparency in the distribution process, he said the state government has set up a committee comprising relevant ministries, CSOs, religious leaders, departments and agencies, local authorities, the Hisbah Board, and security agencies.

Speaking to newsmen, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, said the Annual National Food Intervention Project is a way of giving back, and supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
She said Mr. Dangote is passionate about philanthropy and committed to ensuring that hunger is wiped out or reduced to the minimum in Nigeria.

“We are going to other states to distribute the products, but we’ve just flagged off in Kano,” she told newsmen on the sideline of the Kano Government House, the venue of the flag-off.

The Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah Board in Kano, Dr. Mujahid Aminudeen, thanked the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the initiative, urging more Nigerians to emulate Mr. Dangote in the humanitarian cause.
He said the Hisbah Board will ensure that the products reach the targeted beneficiaries.

Representative of the poor and vulnerable Ibrahim Ahmed thanked Mr. Dangote while praying to God to help him in his businesses.
Background .

ADF has been at the forefront of tackling and ameliorating the impact of natural disasters and health challenges in Nigeria and the rest of the world.
ADF donated N153million to boost Nigeria’s fight against Ebola Virus Disease in 2014, $3million to the African Union (AU) to help combat the scourge, and N66.66 million to install thermal scanning systems and cameras at Nigeria’s 4 international airports.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we donated N2billion to the CACOVID Fund, a Private Sector task force in partnership with the Federal Government, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) with the sole aim of combating Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria.

In support for education, we donated a N1. 2bn modern business school edifice to the Bayero University, Kano, a fully equipped 2,160-bed capacity hostel complex to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a N300 million building to University of Ibadan Business School.

Beyond the shores of Nigeria, Aliko Dangote Foundation has also recorded milestones with a donation of $1million, to lift victims of two earthquakes that devastated Nepal.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Without referring to any individual, cast of characters, or issues, Buhari emphasized that he remains a dedicated member of the APC and wishes to be addressed as such.

“I am an APC member and I like to be addressed as one,” Buhari stated. He expressed his commitment to popularizing the party that granted him two terms in office, vowing to do whatever he can to support it.

Buhari also conveyed his gratitude for the support he received from the APC before and during his presidency, which he considers the highest honor. “I have nothing but gratitude for the support that the Party gave me,” he said, adding that he would never ask for anything more.

Furthermore, Buhari highlighted the sacrifices made by the founding fathers to establish a strong party that protects the constitution and democracy. He urged that these efforts be cherished and nurtured.

The press statement was signed by Garba Shehu on March 13, 2025.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for hydrocarbon investments to address energy poverty, emphasizing that Africa is not a net contributor to global emissions.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, made this statement on Tuesday in Houston Texas, United States during a session at CERAWeek by S&P Global, themed “Policy and People: Pathways to a Just Transition.”

The session, chaired by Vera Blei, Head of Market Report & Trading Solutions at S&P Global, featured key speakers including Scott Tinker, CEO of Tinker Energy Association, and Sunita Narain, Director-General of the Centre for Science and Environment.

Africa’s Role in Global Emissions
Nigeria, along with other African and middle-income countries, continues to advocate for a just energy transition amid the global push for net-zero emissions. Under its “Decade of Gas” initiative, the Nigerian government has adopted natural gas as a transition fuel to support economic growth while reducing carbon emissions.

Verheijen highlighted that Africa and other low-income countries contribute only about 3–4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, in contrast to China and the United States, which account for approximately 30% and 13% of global CO₂ emissions, respectively.
Together, both countries are responsible for nearly 40% of global emissions.

Creating an Attractive Investment Environment, Verheijen emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to fostering a stable investment climate and addressing climate-related risks through clear and transparent policies.

“In Nigeria, we are ensuring that we create an enabling environment for investments. On climate change, we recognize the importance of risk perception in our markets and are committed to transparent policies that stand the test of time, enabling the deployment of capital,” she stated.

She also underscored the need for greater regional integration to attract capital and enhance market efficiency.

“We need to strengthen economic integration across African nations to create a larger, more attractive market for investment. By pooling resources, integrating markets, and leveraging collaboration across the continent and regional blocs, we can drive sustainable development,” she added.

Data-Driven Policy for Sustainable Growth
Verheijen stressed the importance of better data collection and analysis in Africa to support informed decision-making and policy development.

“Even if Africa experiences exponential economic growth and reaches middle-income status, the continent will still not be a major contributor to global emissions. The bulk of emission reductions will have to come from developed nations, which must diversify their energy sources and invest heavily in carbon removal and reduction technologies,” she explained.

She further noted that a balanced approach is necessary to ensure that developing economies can utilize their natural resources to drive prosperity, while also adopting climate solutions that enhance adaptability and sustainability.

Through strategic investments and policy reforms, Nigeria and the broader African continent aim to bridge energy poverty, attract investment, and contribute to a more sustainable global energy transition.