Ebonyi Govt Flags Off Distribution of 12,000 Bags of Rice

The Ebonyi State Government has flagged off the distribution of 12,000 bags of 10-kilogram (10kg) rice to citizens of the state as part of efforts to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship.

Performing the official flag-off ceremony at the Re-Meritona Hotel and Suites, Abakaliki, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru said the gesture was in collaboration with the Aliko Dangote Foundation under the 2025 Food Intervention Programme. Governor Nwifuru, represented by the Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Mrs. Ann Aligwe, commended the Foundation for its support, describing the partnership as timely and people-oriented.

She revealed that, in addition to the rice provided by the Foundation, the state government also released funds for the purchase of other essential food items such as garri, macaroni, and spaghetti to complement the distribution and ensure wider impact. According to her, the initiative aligns with Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to improving the welfare of Ebonyi residents, especially the vulnerable and low-income earners.

Mrs. Aligwe assured that the distribution would be carried out transparently across the 13 local government areas of the state, ensuring that every intended beneficiary receives their share. She further urged beneficiaries to utilize the food items judiciously and continue supporting the policies and programmes of the present administration aimed at enhancing the living standards of the people.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Operations, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Edero Victor Ejioro, said the foundation commenced the food intervention programme last year, targeting the annual distribution of over one million bags of rice nationwide. He noted that the initiative was designed to curtail the growing hunger across Nigeria and commended the Ebonyi State Government for its collaboration and support.

On their parts, the Executive chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Mr Ebere Nwogba and his Onicha Local counterpart, Mr Ikechukwu Ogbuofia thanked the founder of the foundation,Mr Aliko Dangote and Ebonyi state governor, Francis Nwifuru for their impacts to ameliorating the plights of the needy.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Mrs. Oyim Catherine from Ozizza and Mrs. Ngozi Ukah from Afikpo, expressed appreciation to Governor Nwifuru for his continued focus on human capital development and prayed for more wisdom for the first family. Distribution of the food items to various local government councils commenced immediately after the flag-off ceremony.