Reprieve might be in sight for victims of the devastating flood disaster in Borno State as the Federal Government has secured a $600,000 relief fund and commitments from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation led by its head of Global Development Programme, Dr. Christopher Elias made the donation when Vice President Kashim Shettima met with the team on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Explaining what the fund is meant for, the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed in a statement he issued on Thursday said the money is to hasten relief efforts for victims of the devastating floods, as well as for health and agricultural sectors’ reforms.
In a statement titled ‘Nigeria secures $600,000 for flood relief, health, agric sectors’ reforms,’ Shittima noted that the Federal Government is confident in its ability to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of all Nigerians.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged the $600,000 for flood relief in Borno state and other health sector initiatives, with an additional $5m grant approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Shettima, 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.
He assured the government’s readiness to address the pressing developmental challenges facing the country, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis.
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, the VP said food security and industrial agricultural development are key to growth.
Specifically, Shettima mentioned the Cassava Accelerator programme as one of the policies that hold immense potential for the nation’s economy.
He indicated that the government is pursuing digitisation and data exchange systems, which we believe will revolutionise public services.
Expressing firm trust and support of partners like the Gates Foundation,” Shettima assured them that the fund would be judiciously utilized to better the lives of Nigerians.
Speaking, the president of the Global Development Programme at the Gates Foundation, Dr. Christopher Elias, expressed worry about the severe flooding in Borno, reiterating the organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in times of crisis.
The Foundation also pledged support for Nigeria’s health sector reforms, particularly in the fight against polio.
Similarly, the president of 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.
He requested import permits for 5,000 metric tons of certified maize seed to build a foundation seed system in the country.
In his submission, Director of the Nigeria Country Office at the Gates Foundation, Uche Amaonwu, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership, particularly highlighting a $60 million investment in sector-wide programmes and collaborations on reproductive health issues.
