Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has commended Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, for donating 20,000 bags of rice to vulnerable people in the state.
Dangote, through the Dangote Group of Companies, did the donation on Tuesday in Jos.
The exercise was flagged off by Mutfwang.
While receiving the items, Mutfwang expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Dangote Group for their magnanimous support to the vulnerable in the state.
He urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate such exemplary acts of generosity.
The governor commended Dangote for his continuous contribution to the nation’s economy and for creating employment opportunities that had helped to address the issue of youth unemployment in the country.
“I want to express our profound gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote for this very kind gesture of giving back to society.
“This is truly worthy of commendation and emulation,” the governor said.
“He has demonstrated that no matter how wealthy one is, without remembering the poor, such wealth holds little value.
“We are sincerely thankful for the risks he has taken to expand the Nigerian economy, especially his recent efforts in the oil and gas sector.
“As a people, we wish him continued success in all his endeavours.
“On behalf of the vulnerable population in our state, the poorest of the poor, we say thank you and pray that God rewards him abundantly.”
The governor also called on other philanthropists and well-spirited individuals to complement government efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the less privileged.
He assured that the state government was actively taking steps to alleviate their plight.
“On behalf of the government and people of Plateau, please extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
“I will personally write to appreciate this gesture – but tell him that we need more,” he added.
In his remarks, Mr Sunday Abdul, Executive Secretary of the Plateau Emergency Management Authority (PLASEMA), also thanked the Dangote Group for its intervention, assuring that the distribution would be carried out fairly and judiciously.
“We thank you, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for your large heart. Thank you, Your Excellency, for your inspiring leadership.
“Together, we are building a better future for Plateau State.
“We are confident this distribution will significantly ease the hardship faced by our most vulnerable citizens, and we look forward to further collaborations that uplift the lives of our people,” he said.
Representing the Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Bashir Adamu-Kawu, the North-Central Zonal Manager, reiterated that the donation was part of their corporate social responsibility aimed at supporting the most vulnerable members of society.
