The Aliko Dangote Foundation has distributed 3,000 bags of rice to the people of Okpella community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo.
The distribution took place on Saturday at the palace of Okuokpellagbe in Okpella.
A 10kg bag of rice was distributed to the people of Okpella, host community of the Dangote Cement Plc in Edo State.
Speaking, Patrick Omokagbo, the director, stakeholder management, Dangote Cement plc, said the distribution is part of palliative measures to the people of the host community.
“This is one of the social responsibilities of Dangote to its host community in view of the poverty in the land and economic situation in the country.
“Alhaji Aliko Dangote finds it necessary to provide free rice to the people.
“The rice distribution is all over the country and 3,000 bags of rice is to be distributed to the people of Okpella,” Mr Omokagbo said.
The palace secretary, Akuri Afegbua, commended Dangote Foundation for the gesture.
Mr Afegbua said that the rice would help cushion the effect of hunger among the people of the community.
One of the beneficiaries, Mercy Sado, expressed gratitude to the foundation for the intervention.
Another beneficiary, Inusa Ahmed, described the initiative as timely.
(NAN)