As concerns continue to grow due to the increase of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has said that the challenge posed by the pandemic can only be defeated through a carefully coordinated and collaborative efforts of the government, public and private sectors, and philanthropists.
Prof Osinbajo said this on Thursday in Abuja at an event to announce the launch of Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) to provide additional support for Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Vice President said that it was clear that it was a challenge the public sector alone cannot tackle, given the unprecedented nature of the global pandemic, both in its impact and severity.
He stated:
As the pandemic’s impact is unprecedented, so too is the commitment of Nigerians both at home and abroad, who have rallied to help one another and stand in solidarity against this deadly virus.
Adding that the Nigerian government instituted measures to contain the spread of the virus, the country’s number two citizen noted the significant health, social and economic challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented across the world.
Prof Osinbajo, stressing that despite measures to contain the devastating impact of this deadly virus, more support was needed.
The government of Nigeria is delighted that the NSIA, together with the world’s leading international advocacy organization, Global Citizen, and their partners, have embarked on a process to set up a new funding vehicle.
The fund is an initiative of Global Citizen, a global movement committed to ending extreme poverty by 2030, in collaboration with Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to enable Nigerians at home or in the diaspora as well as international donors to contribute to Nigeria’s fight against the pandemic.
The event, hosted by the NSIA and chaired by the Vice President, also had in attendance the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.
Others present included the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NSIA, Jide Zeitlin, and the Managing Director, Uche Orji, with Global Citizen represented by the Chairman of Global Citizen Nigeria, Babatunde Folawiyo, and the Vice-Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
