The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a $600,000 relief fund and commitments to Nigeria to hasten relief efforts for victims of the devastating floods.
The head of the Global Development Programme of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Christopher Elias, announced the donation when he met with Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Dr Elias explained that the relief fund is to “hasten relief efforts for victims of the devastating floods, as well as for health and agricultural sectors’ reforms,”
He said that the Foundation was deeply worried about the severe flooding in Borno state and was “committed to supporting Nigeria in times of crisis.”
The Foundation also pledged support for Nigeria’s health sector reforms, particularly in the fight against polio.
“We’re impressed by the national task force’s efforts to eliminate variant polioviruses by year-end,” Elias said.
In his remarks, the President of the Global Growth & Opportunity Division at the Bill & Melinda, Rodger Voorhies, detailed plans for scaling up drought-tolerant maize production and advancing the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator programme.
He disclosed that a $5m grant has been approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.
“Industrial cassava presents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Nigeria,” Voorhies explained.
He requested import permits for 5,000 metric tons of certified maize seed to build a foundation seed system in Nigeria.
On his part, the Director of the Nigeria Country Office at the Gates Foundation, Uche Amaonwu, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership, particularly highlighting a $60m investment in sector-wide programmes and collaborations on reproductive health issues.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, said in a statement that the announcements were made days after the Nigerian Government established a Disaster Relief Fund that would enable it to “build greater resilience” in preventing and responding to natural disasters nationwide, especially floods”.
He said that Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his response, reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to placing health, nutrition, and agricultural development at the forefront of the nation’s national agenda.
“We are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis,” he stated.
He emphasised the Nigerian government’s dedication to integrity and effective leadership in tackling these issues, pointing out that there is an urgency in securing locations for maize production under the Telemaze programme.
Promising swift action on import permits for certified seeds, Shittima said, “We recognize the critical importance of food security and industrial agricultural development.
“The cassava accelerator programme, in particular, holds immense potential for our economy.
“We are pursuing a whole-of-government approach to digitisation and data exchange systems, which we believe will revolutionise our public services,” he said.
While reiterating the Nigerian government’s focus and commitment to digital transformation, Shettima expressed firm belief that “with the expertise” of Nigeria’s ministers, “and the continued support of partners like the Gates Foundation,” the nation remains confident in its “ability to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of all Nigerians.”
GIK/APA