The Plateau State Government has officially launched the distribution of 20,000 bags of rice donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), targeting the poor and vulnerable across the state.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who flagged off the programme on Monday in Jos, expressed deep appreciation to Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for his generosity, describing the donation as a significant boost to the state’s poverty alleviation efforts.

“This donation comes at a critical time and will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of our people,” the governor said. “We commend Alhaji Dangote for remembering the poor despite his enormous wealth. His actions are worthy of emulation.”

The ADF had earlier this year announced plans to distribute one million bags of rice across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria, with Plateau among the beneficiaries.

Governor Mutfwang noted that the rice donation aligns with his administration’s ongoing strategies to improve the welfare of residents and tackle poverty.

“We are taking deliberate steps to uplift the less privileged in Plateau. This food programme is a welcomed intervention,” he said, adding that he would personally write to thank Dangote while calling for more support.

The Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Sunday Abdul, assured that the distribution would be carried out transparently and equitably to ensure the items reach the most vulnerable.

Also speaking, a representative of the Dangote Foundation, Bashir Adamu-Kawu, said the initiative was part of the foundation’s nationwide outreach aimed at supporting the poorest in society.

He reiterated the foundation’s commitment to easing the burden of hardship among Nigerians, especially in challenging economic times.