THUR, APRIL 23 2020-theG&BJournal- China, through its Ambassador to Nigeria Dr. Zhou Pingjian, today swelled the Nigeria COVID-19 Response Fund with a donation of N48.130 million.
The Secretary to the Government of Nigeria (SGF) Boss Mustapha who received the donation on behalf of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 pandemic revealed the donation during the daily Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing in Abuja.
‘’This gesture underscores the deep relationship between Nigeria and China and it is well appreciated.’’
He said the Ambassador has also informed the presidential task force that the third phase of the medical supplies from China is ready for air lift and arrangements would be made towards actualising this.
‘’Let me emphasize that all donations go into various designated collection accounts opened by the office of the accountant general of the Federation which has been published and swept into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) with the Central Bank of Nigeria on a daily basis. The PTF does not manage if any of the COVID-19 account related donations or funds.’’ The SGF said.
He said, “China has contributed immensely to the infrastructural development of our country as well as the human development sector. The current COVID-19 pandemic which started in December continues to be a major concern for the rest of the world. It has become a global pandemic; thousands have died; 2.5 million infected and our country men at risk of infection.”
He stressed that COVID-19 is the most important public health emergency of our time and therefore requires all hands to be on deck to effectively combat the pandemic.
Also speaking, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian, stated that China and Nigeria are allies in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chinese ambassador noted that “to defeat the virus, solidarity and cooperation are our most potent weapon. China will never forget the invaluable support it received from the government and good people of Nigeria, including those Nigeria brothers and sisters who chose to stay-put in Wuhan, or other parts of China, at the most demanding stage of its outbreak response.”
He said that China would continue to partner with the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will stand as its friend, particularly, in this time of difficulties.
The Ambassador pointed out that COVID-19 is a joint battle that requires countries of the world to come together to fight in the spirit of cooperation and brotherhood to overcome the pandemic.
He thanked the Federal Government, the Presidential Task Force, particularly for their dedication, professionalism and tireless work in fighting COVID-19.
The President of the General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Mr. YE Shuijin, on behalf of the one hundred and sixty members companies and staff in Nigeria, made a donation of N48,000,000.00 (Forty-Eight Million Naira).
He said that Nigeria and the Chinese governments have carried out multiple bilateral cooperation to fight the pandemic.
He expressed appreciation to the rapid response of the Federal Government, the PTF, professional efforts of the medical staff, co-operation of the people which has enabled led over 197 patients to recover from the pandemic.
He also expressed optimism that with the effort of government in the fight against COVID-19 as well as the determination of the Nigerian people, the pandemic would be overcome.
Speaking on the pandemic, the SGF said Covid-19 is not a condition and there is no need to stigmatize anybody.
‘’I must remind all of us that over ninety percent of infected persons recover from this disease. In this regard I urge all those who have recovered from this disease to continue to tell their stories to encourage other person’s to step forward to seek care and medical attention.’’
According to the SGF; ‘’The presidential Task Force has continued to collaborate with governors of the various States and the outcome of the conversation with the Nigerian governors’ Forum yesterday under the chairmanship of the governor of Ekiti State and the platform that was created for that discussion, will form a critical part of recommendations to be made to Mr. President in the coming days.’’
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