The multi-billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, on Monday promised to spend about N2 billion to care for internally displaced persons, IDPs, in Borno State.
Dagote, Africa’s richest man, spoke while on a visit to the troubled city of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to assess the condition of displaced persons in IDP camps. He visited the Dalori and Bakassi IDP camps.
The businessman promised further to end hunger in the IDP camps in the state, starting with the supply of all the foodstuff needed for the displaced persons during the upcoming Ramadan fast.
He disclosed that the Aliko Dangote had already spent N1.4 billion in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states but said that that is not enough, adding that “that is why I am here to see things for myself; I want to assure you that we shall continue to work with both State and Federal governments to make sure there is hunger free at the IDPs camps.”
He said his foundation is putting forward the sum of N2 billion for the IDPs to allow the Borno State government focus on developmental projects.
The Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, could not hold back his emotions at Dangote’s kind gesture as he broke down in tears while showering prayers on the businessman.
“Today is not a day of long speeches but I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless you, thank you,” he said.
Dangote, who also paid courtesy visit on Shehu of Borno, Umar Garbai Ibn El-Kanem, also pledged that he would also be involved in bringing investment to Borno State after the insurgency has been doused.
“Like I said earlier that our visiting will not be the last but we will continue to partner with Borno State government to create jobs for our people, also I assure you that the entire food for IDPs during Ramadan will be suppy by Dangote Foundation to alleviate the suffering our of people,” Dangote told the traditional ruler.
The Shehu thanked Aliko Dangote for his promises, noting that the N2 billion donation is the highest by any individual towards the care of the IDPSs.
“Now you have donated N2 billion to IDPs with this contribution it will make IDPs smile because this is the highest to the best of my knowledge, I think this will go a long way,” he stated.