Herdsmen/farmers crisis: Dangote donates to Benue victims
The Dangote Group, a pan African conglomerate, has donated 12 trailerloads of relief materials worth N40 million to the Benue State government for onward delivery to victims of the recent Fulani herders and farmers crisis.
The gesture, according to the business mogul, is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility aimed at supporting the ongoing efforts of the state government to bring succour to the victims of the recent crisis that engulfed parts of the state.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Makurdi last Friday, President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who was represented by his special adviser, Engr. Joseph Makoju, said: “We have a very cordial relationship with our host communities in Benue, so it is only natural that we identify with them at a time like this.”
Dangote lamented the unfortunate incident, saying the wave of insurgency was diversionary to the efforts of government at bringing the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
“The 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, among others,” he said.
Responding, Governor Gabriel Suswam, who received the items on behalf of the victims, said he was overwhelmed by the organisation’s gesture. He prayed for God’s continued blessing.
Also speaking, executive secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Adikpo Agbatse expressed appreciation and promised that the items would be delivered to the victims of the crisis.