79th UNGA: FG secures $600,000 relief fund from Gates foundation

The Federal Government has secured a $600,000 relief fund from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to accelerate aid efforts for victims of the recent devastating floods, alongside reforms in the health and agricultural sectors.

The Foundation’s pledge includes the $600,000 for flood relief in Borno State, as well as a $5 million grant for the Lagos Business School and its partners aimed at enhancing the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.

This announcement came during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Dr. Christopher Elias, head of the Foundation’s Global Development Programme, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Shettima reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to prioritising health, nutrition, and agricultural development in the national agenda, stating, “We are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis.”

He emphasised the government’s integrity and leadership in tackling these challenges, noting the urgency of securing locations for maize production under the Telemaze programme.

Shettima promised swift action on import permits for certified seeds, declaring, “We recognize the critical importance of food security and industrial agricultural development. The Cassava Accelerator programme holds immense potential for our economy.”

He also highlighted the government’s focus on digitization, stating, “We are pursuing a whole-of-government approach to digitisation and data exchange systems, which we believe will revolutionise our public services.”

Vice President Shettima expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to create meaningful change, affirming, “With the expertise of Nigeria’s ministers, and the continued support of partners like the Gates Foundation, we remain confident in our ability to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of all Nigerians.”

Dr. Christopher Elias, President of the Global Development Programme at the Gates Foundation, conveyed the Foundation’s concern over the severe flooding in Borno, stating, “We are committed to supporting Nigeria in times of crisis.

He also reaffirmed the Foundation’s dedication to aiding Nigeria’s health sector reforms, particularly in the fight against polio.