The Aliko Dangote Foundation on Wednesday in Abuja donated 150 operational cars to the Nigeria Police Force .
The Inspector General of Police , Ibrahim Idris , described the donation as the single biggest gift ever by a private sector operator to the police , a statement by the foundation said .
Speaking during the formal handover of the cars at an event attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; ministers and state governors , the Chairman , ADF, Aliko Dangote, explained that the gesture was informed by the fact that security was essential to economic development .
Depending on how well the vehicles are maintained , Dangote promised that his foundation might donate another batch of vehicles in the near future .
“Today , we are deepening our intervention in security with the donation of these 150 fully kitted operational vehicles to the police force. These vehicles will support the Nigeria Police Force in surveillance , crime prevention and promote law and order,” the statement quoted Dangote as saying .
Osinbajo lauded the foundation for the rare gesture and expressed the Federal Government ’s appreciation to the business mogul for his untiring support , adding that the cars would assist the police in combating crimes across the country .
Osinbajo described Dangote as a rare entrepreneur who had done so much to grow the Nigerian economy .
He said the government needed people like Dangote to join hands with it to grow the economy and also provide jobs for the youth .
Government ’s role , he added , was to provide the enabling environment , while the private sector takes advantage of the opportunities that abounds in the country to grow and develop the economy .
“The donation of 150 cars to the Nigerian Police Force is laudable and we thank Aliko Dangote Foundation for this rare gesture ; that is characteristic of the person of Aliko Dangote. He has shown over the years to be an entrepreneur with a difference , a man that gives willingly to the poor ,” Osinbajo said .
Describing the donation as the single largest by any private individual in the country , the Vice President urged other Nigerians to join hands with the Federal Government to effectively secure the country as well as develop the economy .
