The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has donated N25 million to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to help fight against the ravaging Coronavirus in the country.
The Managing Director of the Fund, Barrister Adebayo Somefun, who disclosed this in Abuja, explained that N20 million is for the purchase of ventilators; N2 million for the purchase of medical items such as face masks, hand gloves, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, swab sticks etc; while N3 million is for the purchase of variety of food items as palliatives to the vulnerable population.
He urged spirited philanthropists and development agencies within and outside of the country to similarly contribute their quota towards combating and overcoming the pandemic.
He said: “Nigeria and of course, the world at large is going through an overwhelming, unprecedented, and dangerous phenomenal challenge, as the growing COVID-19 pandemic bites harder.
“However, this has brought exceptional unity among nations, states, communities, businesses, religions, professions, individuals etc., as all are coming together to explore different approaches to help respond and victoriously overcome this ugly global outbreak.
“Accordingly, the massive solidarity and support orchestrated by this shared concerns is very welcome and quite commendable”.
The NSITF boss applauded the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for taking various steps to tame the spread of the virus among the populace, and urged all Nigerians to adhere to the social distancing protocols and Health advices given to protect us from being infected with this deadly virus.
His words: “I commend the dedication of President Muhammadu Buhari for taking prompt action to keep the virus controllable, coupled with the number of people that have been healed and discharged from the various isolation centers etc. Indeed, this is a rare feat, considering what is happening in more developed countries, with better Medical facilities.
“The truth is that the situation would have been far worse if not for the promptness of Mr President and the tireless, devoted and spirited efforts of The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 led by the indefatigable Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha.
“I want appeal to Nigerians to respect all the protocols that have been put in place by government. Everyone should use the face masks, wash their hands with soap and observe social distance when they are in public places etc”.
He also paid glowing tributes to the frontline workers for showing uncommon courage, doggedness and commitment to duty, as well as country and humanity.
“As an agency of government that is responsible for the implementation of the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS), which compensates and rehabilitates workers that sustain injury in the course of work, the welfare of workers is at the forefront of our mandate.
“To that end, we appreciate the dedication of our health and medical workers who are the frontline workers confronting this pandemic. These workers are the heroes and heroines of the fight against the COVID-19”, Somefun added.
