Aliko Dangote Foundation Distributes 40,000 bags of rice to People Living with Disabilities, vulnerable in Ogun Others

In furtherance of its National Food Intervention programme, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has commenced the distribution of 40,000 bags of rice in all the 20 local government areas in Ogun State, with priority to People Living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in the State

Speaking during the flag-off of the distribution of the 10kg bags of rice to the people of the State in Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun commended the Foundation saying the donation of the gift items to the state indigenes was in tandem with his government’s efforts aimed at providing succor to the people during this trying period.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi at the flag-off ceremony held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, expressed satisfaction that the Foundation has been partnering with the state in various sectors, including health, empowerment, and security.

Governor Abiodun recalled the crucial roles played by the ADF during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the effects of the disease by providing critical infrastructure. He added that the Foundation has also been of tremendous support to the Ogun State security architecture with patrol vans, among other contributions.

“When corporate organizations engage in initiatives like this, we should highlight them so that others can learn from them. Not everything is about coming, making money, and leaving. This is a gesture that should be replicated by every corporate entity because you have to empathize with the people, and I think what the Dangote Foundation has done is to consistently prioritize care for people,” he said.

Governor Abiodun cautioned against the sale of the food items, stating that anyone caught selling them would face consequences and that the state will monitor the distribution to be sure those who are meant to get them actually get them.

“To our market women, don’t say that someone brought it to you and you are now selling it. The rice is meant to be given to the people free of charge; it is for empowerment,” he warned

Earlier in her address of welcome, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs. Funmi Efuape, acknowledged the support the Dangote Foundation has given to the state government and the various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives it has undertaken for its host communities.

The Head of Operations, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Victor Edero, in his goodwill message, said the Foundation initiated the food intervention programme to help contribute to the federal government efforts for food security so that Nigerians especially the vulnerable have access to the most staple food, rice at this period of global economic downturn.

He explained that ADF focuses on three core areas: health, empowerment, and nutrition, and has partnered with governments at all levels to provide a lift in all the sectors

The National Food Intervention initiative, according to him is borne out of the current economic situation where people find it difficult to make ends meet, adding that the foundation is partnering with the state government to bring succor to the less privileged in society, calling for equitable distribution to all beneficiaries.

The Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Mrs. Yemisi Abbas, appreciated the Dangote Group for always identifying with the people, while appealing to the Foundation to initiate a loan scheme as a form of empowerment to eradicate poverty in the state.

Representatives of People Living with Disabilities, the Trade Council, and the Youth Council, one after another, thanked Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his magnanimity and also lauded the state government for always seeking ways to mitigate the people’s suffering, stating that the collaboration with Dangote is an indication that the government and the private sector can work together for the good of the people.

On the occasion, representatives of People Living with Disabilities, Widows, Trade Council, Youth Council, Market women, Artisans, and other women’s groups were given bags of rice for onward distribution to their members.

Senator Jibrin Barau @66: Footprints of a Political Powerhouse and Philanthropist -by Tayo Williams

_“He realised early in life that fate had thrust upon him a huge task of unifying the different interests in the political power play of the Northwest while ensuring that no human was left to suffer any sort of deprivation.”_

Senator Jibrin Barau turns 66 today, June 19. Unlike his peers, he covets no vanities and demands no gaudy celebration to glorify his exploits as a man and leader of men. Despite his towering achievements, the soft-spoken but brilliant senator remains an epitome of modesty, resilience, and transformative leadership.

Though not a landmark birthday that would have occasioned a rousing celebration, it is, however, for the revered Deputy Senate President, a resounding testament and poignant reminder of Allah’s (SWT) profound love and abiding grace over his life.

Friends and political associates say that Senator Jibrin is so unassuming because he realised early in life that fate had thrust upon him a huge task of unifying the different interests in the political power play of the Northwest while ensuring that no human was left to suffer any deprivation. Hence, he takes nothing for granted, and he is a walking embodiment of gratitude to God for the grace and good health to wake up daily without any aches and anxieties.

Blessed with cutting-edge political intelligence and an incredibly fecund mind that is only tempered by unpretentious compassion, Senator Jibrin’s philanthropy is intrinsic and deep-rooted, not contrived or cosmetic.

Despite the widespread impact of his philanthropic activities, providing a wide range of social welfare programs with the intent to be the voice of those who desperately need help, he doesn’t make a song and a dance of them. That is why noiseless but far-reaching philanthropy is his watchword. Senator Jibrin shares in the angst of his people and tries as much as possible to brighten their year with numerous gifts and food items. He is proof positive that the line between politics and philanthropy is thin.

Also, through the Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF), founded many years ago to provide humanitarian assistance, empower youths, promote academic excellence, and provide educational opportunities, particularly for graduates from the Kano North Senatorial District, Senator Jibrin has touched thousands of lives.

In recognition of the fundamental role education plays in shaping society, the foundation’s scholarship programme is expanding educational access for young Nigerians through fully funded scholarship programs, both domestic and foreign, focusing especially on fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber security, and forensic science, among others.

Recently, the foundation awarded postgraduate scholarships to 300 students within Nigeria, while postgraduate foreign scholarships in M. Tech. (Information Security & Cyber Forensics), M. Tech. (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning), and M. Tech. (Robotics Sciences) have been awarded to successful applicants as part of efforts to contribute towards the country’s technological advancement.

Indeed, Senator Jibrin is one of Nigeria’s most impactful senators, with a robust catalogue of people-centric bills addressing critical areas of our national life, including infrastructure, education, youth and human development, healthcare, etc. The fact that he doesn’t joke with these essential areas of life and the passion and resources he channels into addressing them in Kano and everywhere in between have placed him on a pedestal above his colleagues.

He continually harnesses his political influence and resources to better his people’s lot while evolving into a centripetal force for Nigeria’s most populous geopolitical zone, the Northwest. Beyond that, he has facilitated several projects like the construction of rural roads to enhance connectivity and the installation of solar-powered boreholes for access to clean water in Kano North. His health initiatives include the building or renovation of medical facilities, maternal and child health programs, distribution of medical supplies, and the equipping of health centres to improve access to essential health services.

Born in Kabo, Kano State, the erudite Senator Jibrin holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master’s degree in financial management and pricing, a master’s degree in management, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He also holds a degree in Financial Management for Business Decisions from Cornell University, United States. His foray into politics started with his election as a member of the House of Representatives for the Tarauni Federal Constituency in 1999.

His peerless fiscal expertise and experience saw him chairing the House Committee on Appropriations. He was also a member of the House Committee on Power. A former chairman of the Kano State Investment and Properties Ltd. and commissioner of science and technology in the state, Jibrin was first elected into the Senate in 2015 and won re-election in 2019 and 2023, respectively. He also served as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation for the 9th Senate.

Though he was the front-runner for the senate presidency in the 10th Assembly, he respected the party’s zoning arrangement and agreed to be deputy senate president. However, that does not in any way detract from the unparalleled wealth of experience that he has acquired as a third-term senator and the highest-ranking senator from the Northwest. Those who should know reckon that for the APC to make any meaningful impact in the Northwest in the 2027 elections, this ‘Birthday Boy’ has a huge role to play.

-Williams is a Lagos based media executive

Ijede Community Rises Up to Tackle High Transportation Costs

By Ifeoma Ikem

The Ijede community, in Ijede Council Area of Lagos State, is sounding the alarm over the exorbitant cost of transportation, which has become a significant challenge for residents. The community is calling on stakeholders to invest in transportation businesses to alleviate the financial burden on residents and improve overall accessibility.

According to Comrade Musediq Olumide, Coordinator of the Ijede Youth Unified Forum, the situation is dire, with residents struggling to get vehicles to their destinations on a daily basis.

The scene of people standing helplessly for hours waiting for buses is a disheartening one, with students, pregnant women, aged and nursing mothers among those affected.

Olumide expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, noting that some unscrupulous drivers have taken to flimsy excuses to avoid plying the Ijede route.

He recounted his own experience of having to change his route to take people to Itamaga, near Ikorodu town, just to ease their pain. Meanwhile, private cars were seen going almost empty, without consideration for those stranded by the roadside.

This situation has highlighted the need for stakeholders to take action. Olumide is calling on all stakeholders, including the custodian of the land, community heads, the political class and concerned residents, to work together to improve the transportation system in Ijede Local Council Development Area.

While commending the Executive Chairman of Ijede LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo Alogba, for creating a temporary motor park to have a structured and effective logistics system, Olumide emphasized the need for community-based vehicles to make it functional. He also lauded Hon. Abiodun Moshood Aro AMA for his involvement in fast-tracking the project.

Olumide urged those who are financially capable to invest in transportation businesses, stressing that community buses plying the Ijede-Ikorodu route would greatly alleviate the suffering of residents.

He stressed that it is the collective responsibility of all to make Ijede LCDA habitable for all and encouraged ever

yone to contribute their quota.

The community is eager to see a change in the transportation landscape, and with the right investments and initiatives, it is possible to create a more efficient and affordable system that benefits all residents.