Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
There is joy in Anambra as Aliko Dangote Foundation has commenced distribution of 10,000 bags of 10 kilograms of rice to indigent people in Anambra State.
The distribution, which is being handled by a non-governmental organisation, Justice Development and Peace Caritas, (JDPC), an organisation owned by the Awka Catholic Diocese, is being done at local government level.
Executive Director of JDPC, Awka Diocese, Reverend Father Levi Uko who addressed journalists at Ekwulobia, during the distribution exercise for Aguata Local Government Area explained that JDPC was chosen for the distribution for Anambra after a screening exercise.
“We are into the distribution of rice for Aliko Dangote Foundation. The foundation said they would not want government to be involved in the national food intervention programme.
“What we are delivering in all the 21 local government areas of Anambra State is 10,000 bags of 10 kilograms rice. Of course some local governments are bigger than others, so there is no stated number of bags that is given to any local government.
“We have been able to get to many local governments, including Orumba North and South, Dunukofia, Aguata and many more. We still have some more local governments to deliver.
“Our distribution process is that we use presidents general of town unions. Each community will get 50 bags of 10 kg of rice, and because it is meant for indigent people, we have devised a means to ensure that it gets to the people it is intended for.
“What we do is that we request that while handing the bags over to indigent people, they take photographs and videos and send to us, which we also post on our platform to confirm that it got to the intended people.”
The foundation through JDPC also provided money to the community leaders for movement of the rice to various communities.
President Generals of various communities who received the bags of rice thanked Alhaji Aliko Dangote for providing the food item, while praising him for thinking it wise to intervene in the lives of indigent people.
