Anti-poverty group The ONE Campaign has welcomed the appointment of Aliko Dangote to its Board.

Aliko Dangote is Africa’s wealthiest businessman, whose entrepreneurial pursuits though the Dangote conglomerate have seen him establish businesses in 18 African countries. Aliko Dangote’s philanthropic endeavours have matched his business achievements through Dangote Foundation, which has touched the lives of millions of poor and disadvantaged Africans. Dangote Foundation has been the single largest financial contributor to alleviating the plight of Internally Displaced People in Borno State in Northern Nigeria.

Aliko Dangote brings a wealth of expertise and experience on how to encourage development and poverty fighting efforts.

The announcement of Mr Dangote’s appointment to the Board comes after he led ONE’s co-founder Bono to North East Nigeria, to expose him to the severe malnutrition crisis facing the region.

They visited two camps for Internally Displaced People, who are fleeing from instability caused by Boko Haram, and highlighted how, without immediate aid, nearly 50,000 children are at risk of death this year.

On the trip they also announced a partnership between ONE and Dangote Foundation which will work to strengthen civil society and boost efforts to fight poverty and preventable disease in Nigeria.

Tom Freston, Chair of ONE’s Board, said: “On behalf of the Board, and ONE’s seven million members worldwide, I am delighted to welcome Aliko Dangote. It is a great privilege to have someone with his  stature, knowledge, and experience to help guide our efforts as a board member. This is a crucial time in the fight against extreme poverty, filled with many opportunities, but also many significant challenges. Working with someone of Aliko Dangote’s calibre enhances our possibilities for success.”

Speaking about his new role Aliko Dangote said: “I am extremely happy to be part of this incredible organisation. The goal of ending extreme poverty is very important to me, and is what my Foundation is focused on. Everyone has a duty to help, and I am honoured to continue playing my part by advising and supporting the leadership of ONE.”

ENDS

For media queries about ONE please contact Chris Mitchell on (+44) 07901006799 or email [email protected]

For media queries about Dangote Foundation, please contact Anthony Chiejina on +234 803 583 3229 and [email protected], or Zouera Youssoufou on +234 813 231 0714 and [email protected]

About Dangote Foundation

Dangote Foundation is Aliko Dangote’s private philanthropic effort, driven by his vision to see a world where all individuals access quality healthcare, nutrition, educational and livelihood opportunities. Dangote Foundation was incorporated in 1994 as a charity in Lagos.  Twenty years later, the Foundation has become the largest private Foundation in sub Saharan Africa, with the largest endowment by a single African donor.

For more information about Dangote Foundation, please visit the Dangote website or go to Aliko Dangote’s profile on ONE.org