The Pan African conglomerate-Dangote Group-has donated 12 trailer load of
relief material worth N40 million to the Benue State Government.
The relief material, according to the Group, is meant to support the
ongoing effort of the state government to bring succor to the victims of
the recent crisis that affected some parts of the state.
Speaking at the occasion for the formal handover of the items to the
displaced persons in Makurdi, President and Chief Executive of the Dangote
Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said: “ We have a very cordial relationship
with our host communities in Benue and it is only natural we identify with
them at a time like this. What has happened is unfortunate and we
empathise with all the affected peopleâ€
Dangote who was represented by his Special Adviser Eng Joseph Makoju said
that it was unfortunate that the crisis happened and that the insurgency
was diversionary to the government effort at bringing the dividend of
democracy to the people of the state.
He said: “Governor Gabriel Suswam administration has done a lot to
improve the wellbeing of the good people of Benue State through massive
upgrade of infrastructure, empowerment of rural farmers and funding of the
educational sector. The infrastructural development in Benue state has
been significant and his love for his people is unparallel.â€
He said the relief material donated was part of his company’s Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) programme in the state that covers: Health,
education, women and youth empowerment and disaster relief.
He said in Gboko, the Dangote Group has over the years built blocks of
classrooms, constructed water boreholes and provide electricity in
communities around the Dangote Cement plant. He added that the company
gives an annual scholarship grants running into millions of Naira to the
people of Gboko communities.
While thanking the Dangote Group, the state Governor Gabriel Suswam who
inspected the relief items said he was overwhelmed by the donation of the
Dangote Group. He expressed the state appreciation and prayed that God
will continue to bless Dangote Group. He lauded the CSR activities of the
group and urged other corporate bodies to emulate the deeds of the
organizations by giving back to the society.
“ Dangote Group’s donation today has been overwhelming. We remain
grateful. The People of Benue State are happy with the oganisation’s
activities and I am using this opportunity to urge other corporate bodies
to also give back and make people their priorities.â€
He also applauded job creation activities of the Dangote Group, describing
him, as a man that his doing all within him to make his people satisfied
and happy. He however assured the Management of Dangote Group of the
State’s support at all time.
Speaking also at the occasion, the Executive Secretary of the State
Emergency Management Agency Mr. Adikpa Agbatse said the way Dangote
packaged the donation makes it easy for distribution.
He said Dangote Group has demonstrated that it is a Nigerian company that
is always interested in the welfare of all the people irrespective of
tribe and religion.
He expressed his appreciation and assured the Dangote team that the items
will et to all the internally displaced persons.