President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday thanked individuals, groups and organisations that have so far contributed funds and materials in support of the campaign against the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President assured the contributors and Nigerians that the money will be well-used.
The statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledges, with deep appreciation, the kind gesture of captains of industries, corporate entities, missionaries, musical artistes and individuals who have consistently supported ongoing efforts to mitigate COVID-19 pandemic, which is ravaging the global economy.
“The President thanks a group of oil companies, who partnered with the Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) to donate $30 million, while appreciating contributions from All Progressives Congress (APC) National leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Dr Mike Adenuga, Modupeola and Folorunsho Alakija of Famfa Oil, and Dr Emeka Offor, who joined a list of other public-spirited Nigerians in contributing health and educational facilities.
“The President welcomes generous donations as announced by Zenith Bank Plc, which was committed to the public health care system, Keystone Bank, First Bank Plc and Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, and his wife, Dr Becky Enenche, who also took to the streets to sensitise citizens on the dreaded virus.
“President Buhari appreciates the efforts of Stallion Empowerment Initiative of the Stallion Group, and the entertainment industry, particularly renowned musician, Innocent Idibia, Tuface, for contributions.
“Assuring all Nigerians that the funds will be properly utilised to check the effect of the COVID-19 and reposition the health care system, President Buhari urges all intending donors to channel contributions through the Presidential Task Force for the Control of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
“The President notes that the situation facing the country, and others across the world, would certainly need the financial, technical and material support of companies and individuals, and collective effort of all Nigerians, to bring the pandemic under control.”

By Bolaji Ogundele