By Rabiu Sanusi
Representatives of the diverse host communities and ethnic groups at the Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana; and that of Dangote Coal Mines Limited, Ankpa, Kogi State, expressed their excitement over the Food Intervention Programme of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).
In an outpouring of appreciation, a Monarch, the Bajana of Obajana, Engr Idowu Isenibi, described the Food Intervention Programme of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) as timely.
Obajana is home to West African largest cement factory, the Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana.
“It is coming at the time Nigerians are in need. We are humbled by this generosity, but like Oliver Twist, we would always ask for more,” Engr Isenibi said.
The Monarch said, “We are peaceful people. We have been protecting his investment, and we will continue this path bequeathed to us by our forefathers.
“We promise not to betray or disappoint Alhaji Aliko Dangote.”
This paper can report that N15billion was earmarked for the Food Intervention Programme by the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
Representatives of the different religions and ethnic groups took turn to pledge their unwavering support for the Dangote Cement Plc.
Speaking, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who was represented by his secretary, Pastor Pius Ushie, described Mr. Dangote as God sent, adding that the food intervention would positively impact the lives of many impoverished and vulnerable people in the state and Nigeria.
According to him, the Christian community in Obajana will continue to pray for the success of the Dangote Cement Plc.
The Muslim Community, represented by the Deputy Chief Imam, Mallam Saidu Adamu, said Dangote has contributed to peace, security, and economic development of Kogi State in general.
He said in Islam feeding the poor attracts great reward, calling on other wealthy Nigerians to emulate Mr. Dangote’s act of generosity.
Leader of the Yoruba community, Ismail Adetunji, said the rice donation by the ADF would not only cushion the economic situation of the poor, but it would also help in creating a sense of unity among the members of the host communities.
On his part, the leader of the Igala community, Daiko Gideon, said his community members would continue to support the company, even as he commended it for the several social intervention schemes over the years.
Speaking earlier, General Manager, Social Performance, Ademola Adeyemi, said the food initiative represents a continuation of the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the government and the Nigerian populace in alleviating economic hardship within the country.
He thanked the communities for being the Ambassadors of the Dangote Cement Plc in the state.
Representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Sanusi Abdulkadir, said the Foundation would not rest on its oars in giving back to society.
At Ankpa Local Government Area, home to the Dangote Coal Mines Limited, Mr. Husseini Christian, a community leader commended the Foundation for the food donation, saying it would further enhance the existing cordial relationship between the company and the community.
Similarly, Mallam Ismail Yakubu, representing Awo Ate said the food intervention came at the right time, and would create succor to members of the community.
On his part, Mr. Peter Adejoh, representative of the Awo Akpali Community, said his people were grateful for the support, adding that it would go a long in easing the economic realities among members of the community.
Representative of the Onupi Community, Abdullahi Saidu, and his counterpart, Abdullahi Garba Muhammad who represented the Ajobe-Ofeanyaka community of Ankpa said the support of the Aliko Dangote Foundation is huge in his community, just as he said the community members would not relent in its support for the company.
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