President Muhammadu Buhari Monday expressed appreciation for the kind gesture of captain of industries, corporate entities, missionaries, musical artistes and individuals who have consistently supported the ongoing efforts to mitigate COVID-19 pandemic in the country, which is ravaging the global economy.
The president thanked 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 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 also welcomed generous donations announced by Zenith Bank PLC, which was committed to the public healthcare 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 sensitize citizens on the dreaded virus.
He also appreciated the efforts of Stallion Empowerment Initiative of the Stallion Group, and the entertainment industry, particularly renowned musician, Innocent Idibia (Tuface) for their contributions.
Assuring all Nigerians that the funds would be properly utilized to check the effect of the COVID-19 and reposition the healthcare system, the president urged all intending donors to channel contributions through the Presidential Task Force for the Control of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
He also urged Nigerians to follow the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health, state governments and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), whose officials have been toiling day and night to keep everyone in the country safe.
He said 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.
