First lady designate commends Dangote for rice donation to vulnerable persons in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom First Lady Designate; Lady Helen Obareki has commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation for donating15,000 bags of rice to vulnerable persons in Akwa Ibom.

In a message of goodwill at the official handing over of the items on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the Women Development Centre, Uyo, Lady Obareki who was represented by the Member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Selena Ukpatu, thanked the Foundation for the compassionate gesture towards the state and her people.

She said with the prevailing economic situation in the country, the bags of rice would go a long way in ameliorating the feeding challenges of many susceptible persons in the state.

Obareki who expressed deep appreciation to the Foundation for its enduring corporate social responsibility, assured that the items would be distributed to the target publics.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Eno Akpan, in an address, said the organisation’s gesture is a bold and compassionate step towards addressing hunger and supporting vulnerable households, a replica of Governor Umo Eno’s continuous effort in food interventions and social investment programme in the State.

The Foundation’s Head of Operations, Mr. Victor Ejiro, disclosed that as part of its ongoing nationwide food intervention programme, the Foundation has distributed over one million bags of rice across the country with 15,000 bags of 10kg rice donated to Akwa Ibom State.

Ejiro revealed that for over 30 years, the foundation has remained committed to improving lives through strategic interventions in health, empowerment, education and nutrition, adding that the Aliko Dangote Foundation 2025 National Food Intervention Programme is targeted at alleviating the burden of hunger among widows, artisans, the vulnerable and the physically challenged.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Innocent Ntia, while appreciating the gesture, said persons living with disabilities face daily challenges, noting that such goodwill from public-spirited individuals and the government provides a renewed sense of hope and belonging.

The event highlighted goodwill messages from the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo and the Personal Assistant to the Governor on People Living with Disabilities, Mr. Ubong Ikpe.