Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO Nigerians
in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has commended the Diaspora support
initiative in respect of eradicating Covid-19 in Nigeria, describing it
as a caring and kind gesture.
In a statement in Abuja by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media and
Public Relations Unit, the NIDCOM boss said the initiative of the
Diaspora towards containing the disease is commendable.
Dabiri-Erewa said NIDCOM is proud to be associated with the initiative
geared towards supporting those affected with the dreaded virus in
Nigeria as well as assisting the country in the fight against Covid-19.
, adding that Nidcom will supervise and co ordinate funds raised by the
coordinators and promoters . She added that the funds will strictly be
used for procurement of needed materials and equipment.
She said undoubtedly Nigeria is blessed with human and material
resources from its Diasporas capable of fighting the dreaded disease
with expertise and materials support.
Thus far, over 135 Nigerians have tested positive to the Coronavirus
with only two deaths and this had led to lockdown of the country as a
way of reducing the spread.
The Diaspora initiative for Covid-19 in Nigeria is contained in a letter
(attached) by project coordinators, Prof. Akin Bamigboye and Ms. Lola
Visser-Mabogunje on behalf of Nigerians in the diaspora.
The project also has over 26 promoters from various parts of the World.
The group said the funds being solicited are intended to be used for
the procurement of masks, protective gears and other medical supplies
for frontline (Medics and Paramedics).
They also intend to purchase the life support machines for
respiratory conditions called ventilators.
” Therefore through the donations, we plan to arrange testing for
5,000 to 10,000 high risk individuals of all ages including most
especially the above 60s and those with underlying medical
conditions.
“The distribution of these materials and identification of those
people to be tested will cut across the most affected States of the
Federation, and this will be done through the assistance of NIDCOM,
the apex Government agency for the coordination of diaspora
activities. Distributing through NIDCOM will eliminate logistic
challenges, bureaucratic bottlenecks and will provide ease of access
to States Government “, the group said in its letter .
“We believe that the activities we have so far identified will have
positive outcomes and meaningful impact on the Medics, Paramedics and
the communities at large, especially the poor and the physically
challenged groups in our society.
“We are therefore calling on you to donate generously into the
following account, opened solely for the purpose of this intervention.
We can assure you that all procurement activities will be conducted in a
transparent manner; contributions received will be declared and all
expenditures will be accounted for”, it added.
Your contributions should be sent to the following: Account Name:
*DIASPORA SUPPORT FOR COVID-19 IN NIGERIA*
USD account: 1384207380
Euro account: 1384207579 GBP account: 1384207902 Naira account:
1384206833 *Name of Bank: Access Bank* PLC Address of the Bank: PLOT
999, Damole street, Victoria Island, Lagos SWIFT Code (BIC): ABNGNGLA
Payment reference:
Please indicate your name and country. Anonymous donors are also
welcome.
TRANSFER DETAIL USD (US DOLLAR) INFLOWS CITI BANK Beneficiary Name:
Access bank plc Beneficiary Bank Swift Code: ABNGNGLA Beneficiary Bank
Account Number: 36145842 Intermediary Bank’s Name: Citibank New York New
York, N.Y 100043 Intermediary Bank’s Swift Code: CITIUS33 Routing:
Number: 021000089 GBP (POUNDS) INFLOWS Beneficiary bank’s Name: Access
bank Plc Beneficiary bank’s Swift code: ABNGNGLA Beneficiary bank’s IBAN
NO (GBP): GB27CITI18500811071211 Intermediary bank’s Name: Citibank
London Citi Group Centre, Canary Wharf Intermediary bank’s Swift code:
CITIGB2L Sort Code: 185008
Please find attached names of the coordinators and promoters as well as
a flyer.