UNGA79: Nigeria secures $600,000 for reforms in flood relief, health and agriculture

*Nigerian Vice-President (Senator) Kashim Shettima reaffirms President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s commitment to placing health, nutrition, and agricultural development at the front burner as Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation pledges the $600,000 for flood relief, health sector initiatives coupled with $5 million additional grant the Lagos Business School and partners on industrial cassava

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

To hasten relief efforts for victims of the devastating floods, as well as for health and agricultural sectors’ reforms, the Nigerian government has secured a $600,000 relief fund and commitments from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Foundation, at the ongoing 79th session of the United Nation General Assembly (UNGA79), in New York, pledged the $600,000 for flood relief in Borno State and other health sector initiatives.

The Foundation as well announced $5 million additional grant approved for Lagos Business School (LBS), and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.

Dr Christopher Elias, Head of Global Development Programme at the Bill and Gates Foundation, announced the donation in a meeting with when Vice-President Shettima on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, in New York.

Shettima: Tinubu administration committed to health, nutrition and agric development

The Vice-President reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s commitment to placing health, nutrition, and agricultural development at the forefront of the national agenda.

Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), who disclosed the development in statement Thursday, September 26, 2024, noted Senator Shettima said: “We are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis.”

He emphasised the Nigerian Government’s dedication to integrity and effective leadership in tackling these issues, pointing out that there is an urgency in securing locations for maize production under the Telemaze programme.

Promising swift action on import permits for certified seeds, Shettima stated: “We recognise the critical importance of food security and industrial agricultural development.

“The Cassava Accelerator programme, in particular, holds immense potential for our economy.

“We are pursuing a whole-of-government approach to digitisation and data exchange systems, which we believe will revolutionise our public services,” stated he.

The Vice-President reiterated the government’s focus and commitment to digital transformation.

Shettima further expressed firm belief that “with the expertise” of Nigeria’s ministers, “and the continued support of partners like the Gates Foundation,” the country remains confident in its “ability to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of all Nigerians.”

On Foundation’s concerns about severe flooding in Borno, others

In his remarks on the occasion, Dr. Christopher Elias, President of the Global Development Programme at the Gates Foundation, said the Foundation is deeply worried about the severe flooding in Borno, and is “committed to supporting Nigeria in times of crisis.”

Bill and Mellinda Gates Foundation also pledged support for Nigeria’s health sector reforms, particularly in the fight against polio.

Elias said: “We’re impressed by the national task force’s efforts to eliminate variant polioviruses by year-end.”

The need for a foundation seed system in Nigeria

In his contribution, President of Global Growth and Opportunity Division at the Bill and Melinda, detailed plans for scaling up drought-tolerant maize production and advancing the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator programme.

According to him, a $5 million grant has been approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.

“Industrial cassava presents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Nigeria,” Voorhees explained.

He, therefore, requested import permits for 5,000 metric tonnes of certified maize seed to build a foundation seed system in the country.

Uche Amaonwu, Director of the Nigeria Country Office at the Gates Foundation, also expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership, particularly highlighting a $60 million investment in sector-wide programmes and collaborations on reproductive health issues.

Others present at the meeting were Deputy Director, Programme Advocacy and Communications, at the Gates Foundation, Ekenem Isichei, and top Nigerian government officials.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Aliko Dangote President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, also paid a courtesy call on Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

The statement added Dangote is also the Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.