Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has called on Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group, to further enhance his support for the state’s agricultural sector by establishing rice mills near local farm clusters.
The governor made this request during the launch of the 2025 National Food Intervention Programme in Yenagoa.
He was represented at the event by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Governor Diri expressed his gratitude to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its long-standing support to the people of Bayelsa, particularly in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups.
He praised Dangote’s contributions and called on both individuals and corporate bodies to follow his example in combating food insecurity and poverty in Nigeria.
Highlighting the already established relationship between the Dangote Group and Bayelsa, the governor reiterated the need for continued collaboration to boost local agriculture.
He acknowledged that Dangote had previously pledged to purchase rice from Bayelsa farmers and encouraged the Dangote Group to consider setting up rice mills to help process the produce.
“We are ready to work together to bridge the gap,” he said, emphasizing that such initiatives would ensure farmers have buyers once they complete their harvests.
Head of Operations for the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Victor Edero, also spoke at the event, mentioning that the foundation had been operational for over three decades.
He explained that the foundation’s National Food Intervention Programme aims to distribute 10,000 ten-kilogram bags of rice across Bayelsa’s eight local government areas, in addition to its ongoing efforts across all 774 local governments in Nigeria.
The initiative is designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, especially in the current economic climate.
Edero called on the state government to ensure the food items reach the intended beneficiaries, including persons with disabilities, widows, artisans, and market women.
The state Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Ekpomokumor Doutimiareye, expressed his appreciation for the foundation’s efforts to support marginalized groups and provide relief to those in need.
In a final note, Governor Diri reiterated the importance of giving back to society and urged everyone, regardless of their means, to contribute to the welfare of others.
