Business
Dangote Foundation Distributes Rice to Cement Host Communities in Ogun
In a significant effort to alleviate the burden of rising food costs on vulnerable households, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has commenced the distribution of bags of rice to members of host communities of Dangote Cement Plc across Nigeria.
The initiative forms part of the Foundation’s National Food Intervention Programme aimed at cushioning the effects of prevailing economic challenges on ordinary Nigerians. The distribution exercise, which is being rolled out across communities where Dangote Cement operates in Ibese and Itori, both in Ogun state, underscores the Dangote Group’s commitment to inclusive growth and community wellbeing.
In what has now become an annual event, in which thousands of 10kg bags of rice are being distributed to beneficiaries from 17 host communities in Ibese and 36 others in Itori and Ijebu-Igbo with focus on low-income families, elderly residents, and other vulnerable groups within the host communities.
Speaking on the initiative, ADF Chief Executive, Zouera Youssoufou who was represented by the ADF Head of Operations, Victor Ejiro reaffirmed that the food intervention programme reflects the organization’s long-standing dedication to food security and poverty alleviation, particularly during periods of economic strain.
She said: “This intervention is designed to provide immediate relief to households grappling with high food prices. As a socially responsible organization, we recognize the importance of supporting our host communities beyond business operations,”.
“At the Aliko Dangote Foundation, we recognize the current economic realities facing many Nigerian households. This intervention is aimed at providing immediate relief while reinforcing our long-standing commitment to the wellbeing of our host communities.”
“We understand the difficulties families are facing at this time. This support is our way of standing with our communities and ensuring that no household is left behind during these challenging times. Sustainable development goes beyond business operations. Through this programme, we are strengthening community resilience and contributing to national efforts to improve food access and social stability.”
“This intervention is focused on delivering real, immediate support to vulnerable households. We will continue to expand our reach to ensure more families benefit from this programme.”
At the Ibese distribution centre, The Aboro of Ibeseland, Oba Rotimi Oluseyi Mulero thanked the giving spirit of Alhaji Dangote describing the rice distribution as “operation feed the families”.
He stated excitedly: On behalf of our people, I extend our profound gratitude to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for this timely and commendable gesture. At a time when many families are facing economic challenges, this distribution of food items will go a long way in alleviating hardship within our communities.
“We appreciate Dangote Group not only as a business partner but as a responsible corporate citizen that continues to demonstrate genuine concern for the wellbeing of its host communities. We pray that this partnership continues to flourish for the benefit of all. Today, our hearts are filled with appreciation. This support has come at a very critical time for our people. Many households are under pressure, and this intervention will bring relief and hope to families.”
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Some of the community leaders and beneficiaries also expressed appreciation to the ADF Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the gesture, noting that the rice distribution comes at a critical time when many families are facing financial pressures due to inflation and rising living costs.
Also at Itori, the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo said his people’s hearts are filled with appreciation. “This support has come at a very critical time for our people. Many households are under pressure, and this intervention will bring relief and hope to families.
“We thank Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his Foundation for remembering the grassroots and standing by us in times of need. We are deeply grateful for this act of kindness. May the Almighty bless the Dangote Group and increase its capacity to continue doing good for humanity.”
At several distribution points, orderly processes were put in place to ensure transparency and equitable access. Local coordinators, in collaboration with community representatives, supervised the exercise to guarantee that the items reached intended beneficiaries.
The Dangote Cement host communities, spread across key states including Ogun, Kogi, Benue, Edo, and others, have historically benefitted from numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives by the Dangote Group, ranging from infrastructure development to healthcare, education, and economic empowerment programmes.
The ongoing food intervention aligns with the Foundation’s broader strategy to enhance food access and strengthen social safety nets across Nigeria. It also complements government efforts aimed at mitigating the impact of economic headwinds on citizens.
Industry observers note that such private sector-driven interventions are increasingly crucial in bridging gaps in social welfare delivery, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
The ADF, one of the largest private philanthropic organizations in Africa, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting national development priorities through targeted interventions in health, education, and economic empowerment.
As the rice distribution progresses, the Foundation has reiterated its commitment to expanding the reach of the programme to cover more communities in need, reinforcing its mission to improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, has announced plans for the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) to collaborate with state governments to empower vulnerable women across Nigeria through participation in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (DPRP) Initial Public Offering (IPO).
Dangote made the announcement in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) while responding to a question from the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Goje Mohammed.
The discussion focused on how partnerships between government and the private sector can help conflict-affected communities, particularly widows, build sustainable financial futures through investment opportunities.
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According to Dangote, the Foundation will work closely with state governments to ensure that women from vulnerable groups, including widows and victims of conflict, can take advantage of the refinery’s share offering and begin building long-term wealth through equity ownership.
The initiative is designed to expand access to Nigeria’s capital market by giving women who might otherwise be excluded the opportunity to become shareholders in one of Africa’s largest industrial enterprises.
Speaking on the programme, Dangote revealed that the Foundation plans to provide additional support to participating women by donating shares to complement their investments.
“We are partnering with state governments to ensure that widows and other vulnerable women are able to buy shares in the refinery,” he said.
He explained that women who purchase shares under the IPO will receive an additional allotment of shares from the Foundation, helping them establish a long-term financial asset.
“Beyond enabling them to buy shares, the Foundation will also support them by donating additional shares that they can hold as savings for the future,” Dangote noted.
The programme targets up to two million women nationwide, making it one of the largest financial inclusion and women’s empowerment initiatives linked to Nigeria’s capital market.
“We are looking at reaching about two million women through this initiative,” he added.
The proposed intervention forms part of the broader objectives of the Dangote Refinery “People’s IPO,” which seeks to democratise ownership of the landmark refinery and enable more Nigerians to share in the value created by one of the country’s most significant private-sector investments.
The initiative is expected to have particular significance for conflict-affected states such as Yobe, where many widows and vulnerable households continue to face economic challenges resulting from years of insecurity. By facilitating access to investment opportunities, the partnership aims to provide a pathway to sustainable wealth creation and long-term financial security.
Dangote emphasized that collaboration between the Foundation and state governments will create a structured framework for supporting vulnerable women to participate in the IPO, reinforcing the role of investment and equity ownership as tools for economic empowerment, financial inclusion and social development.
Through this initiative, the ownership opportunity presented by the Dangote Refinery IPO will be extended to some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable women, helping them build assets, secure their futures and participate directly in the growth of a landmark national enterprise.
The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has expanded access to its NGX Invest platform with the launch of a WhatsApp subscription channel.
Biztellers reports that it provides investors with an additional, convenient way to participate in public offers.
A statement from the company has it that investors can begin the subscription process by sending “Invest” to NGX Invest on WhatsApp at +234 812 731 9521. They can then follow the prompts to view eligible offers and complete the required subscription steps without downloading a separate application. As part of the process, investors will select a stockbroker through whom their application will be processed, ensuring that brokers remain an integral part of the investment journey.
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The new channel extends NGX Invest’s growing distribution ecosystem, which connects issuers to investors through more than 100 distribution channels, including stockbrokers, banks, fintechs, mobile operators and other financial institutions via API connectivity.
By integrating WhatsApp into NGX Invest, the NGX Group is reducing friction in the investment process and bringing primary-market opportunities closer to investors through a platform they already use every day. For issuers, the integration provides an additional route to reach a broader pool of potential investors and support more efficient capital raising.
The development forms part of NGX Group’s broader strategy to use technology, partnerships and open distribution infrastructure to widen participation in Nigeria’s capital market.
Security remains central to the design of the investor journey. While WhatsApp provides the interface through which investors can access the service, subscriptions are processed through NGX Invest’s secure, regulated infrastructure. Investors are encouraged to interact only with the official NGX Invest WhatsApp number and should never share passwords, PINs, OTPs or other sensitive credentials with third parties.
As digital participation in Nigeria’s capital market grows, NGX Group remains focused on ensuring that increased access is supported by secure, transparent and regulated market infrastructure. The addition of WhatsApp combines the convenience of a familiar consumer channel with the safeguards required for participation in regulated public offers.
With WhatsApp now part of its distribution ecosystem, NGX Invest is further expanding the infrastructure through which investors can discover and participate in primary-market opportunities, while enabling issuers to reach a wider investing public.
The $800m Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Ima Gas Project (IGP) has been warmly welcomed as a major milestone in efforts to unlock Nigeria’s gas resources for industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.
President Bola Tinubu applauded the development, according to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement in Abuja, on Wednesday.
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The statement has it that the project, developed by Nigerian independent exploration and production company, AMNI International, in partnership with TotalEnergies, is expected to produce about 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day at peak.
It added that the Ima gas resource, located offshore in Oil Mining Leases 112 and 117, was discovered in 1973 but remained undeveloped for more than five decades.
The FID, announced on Wednesday, is expected to pave the way for the development of the resource, which has the potential to provide feedgas for the Nigeria LNG Limited.
According to the statement, Tinubu said the development demonstrated the impact of creating a predictable and competitive environment for investors.
He stated, “For more than fifty years, the gas beneath Ima remained a resource with enormous potential, but potential alone does not create jobs, finance businesses or improve the lives of our people.
“Our responsibility has been to create the conditions that turn Nigeria’s natural resources into productive investments and economic opportunities.”
The President added, “The Final Investment Decision on Ima demonstrates what is possible when we provide investors with a competitive, predictable and enabling environment.
“We are determined to unlock more of Nigeria’s gas resources to power our industries, expand our exports, create jobs and build lasting prosperity for our people.”
The President said that for decades, Nigeria has had one of Africa’s largest gas resource bases, although significant volumes have remained undeveloped.
He added that this administration’s gas strategy is focused not only on increasing gas production but also on putting the resource to productive use by supporting LNG exports and foreign exchange earnings, providing feedstock for industries, enabling fertiliser and petrochemical production, improving power supply and creating opportunities for Nigerian businesses and workers.
“Natural resources have value only when they are converted into opportunities for our people.
“Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s gas powers Nigerian prosperity,” the President said.
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