Aliko Dangote Donates 1.5 Billion Naira to Nigeria/UN Corona Virus Basket Fund

The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has donated N1.5 billion ($3.8 million) to the ‘Nigeria/United Nations COVID-19 Basket Fund’ to boost the fight against the novel coronavirus disease. The UN in Nigeria announced the donation in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the ADF collaboration with the UN will boost the Nigerian Government’s efforts at strengthening the functional capacity of the healthcare systems and support to those affected by the novel coronavirus.

The statement quoted Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group and Chairman of the ADF, as saying that the contribution would support in the procurement of medical supplies.

Concerned parties could channel their financial assistance to the multi-sectoral efforts of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
The UN strategy used the pooled fund arrangement to support the rapid implementation of Nigeria’s National COVID-19 Multi-sectoral Pandemic Response Plan in the ten functional areas.
It is done through a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Contribution Agreement between individual donors and the fund.
A dedicated fund and project management structure for the Nigeria UN COVID-19 basket fund managed by UNDP acts as the secretariat to the project board and oversees disbursement of funds, procurement of services and goods as well as accountability.
While receiving the contribution on behalf of the UN in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria was quoted as saying that, winning the war against the virus would require the support of all.
He said Nigeria’s win against the corona virus, required a whole-of-society approach that would bring all stakeholders on board to support the national response.
He further commended the Nigerian private sector for its active role in supporting the government, to mobilise the critical resources to tackle COVID-19.

Source : Today.NG