Dangote donates 12 trailer-load of relief material to Benue

Source: pointblanknews.com

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.