COVID-19: Dabiri-Erewa Hails Diaspora Support Initiative
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO Nigerians
in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has commended the Diaspora support
initiative in respect of eradicating COVID-19 in Nigeria, describing it
as a caring and kind gesture.
In a statement in Abuja by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media and
Public Relations Unit, the NIDCOM boss said the initiative of the
Diaspora towards containing the disease is commendable.
geared towards supporting those affected with the dreaded virus in
Nigeria as well as assisting the country in the fight against COVID-19.
, adding that Nidcom will supervise and coordinate funds raised by the coordinators and promoters.
She added that the funds will strictly be
used for procurement of needed materials and equipment.
She said undoubtedly Nigeria is blessed with human and material
resources from its Diasporas capable of fighting the dreaded disease
with expertise and materials support.
Thus far, over 135 Nigerians have tested positive to the Coronavirus
with only two deaths and this had led to the lockdown of the country as a
way of reducing the spread.
The Diaspora initiative for COVID-19 in Nigeria is contained in a letter
(attached) by project coordinators, Prof. Akin Bamigboye and Ms. Lola
Visser-Mabogunje on behalf of Nigerians in the diaspora.
The project also has over 26 promoters from various parts of the World.
The group said the funds being solicited are intended to be used for
the procurement of masks, protective gears and other medical supplies
for frontline (Medics and Paramedics).
They also intend to purchase the life support machines for
respiratory conditions called ventilators.
” Therefore through the donations, we plan to arrange testing for
5,000 to 10,000 high-risk individuals of all ages including most
especially the above 60s and those with underlying medical
conditions.
“The distribution of these materials and the identification of those
people to be tested will cut across the most affected States of the
Federation and this will be done through the assistance of NIDCOM,
the apex Government agency for the coordination of diaspora
activities. Distributing through NIDCOM will eliminate logistic
challenges, bureaucratic bottlenecks and will provide ease of access
to States Government “, the group said in its letter.
“We believe that the activities we have so far identified will have
positive outcomes and meaningful impact on the Medics, Paramedics and
the communities at large, especially the poor and the physically
challenged groups in our society.
“We are therefore calling on you to donate generously into the following account, opened solely for the purpose of this intervention.
We can assure you that all procurement activities will be conducted in a
transparent manner; contributions received will be declared and all
expenditures will be accounted for”, it added.
