In a bold step to accelerate relief efforts and drive critical reforms in Nigeria’s health and agricultural sectors, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima announced that the Nigerian government has secured a $600,000 relief fund and additional commitments from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This significant support will aid flood victims and foster initiatives for agricultural and health development across the country.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Vice President Shettima revealed that the $600,000 fund is earmarked for flood relief in Borno State, one of the regions hardest hit by the devastating floods. Additionally, the Foundation has approved a $5 million grant for the Lagos Business School and its partners to enhance agricultural economics, particularly focusing on the industrial production of cassava—a crop vital to Nigeria’s agricultural future.
The announcement was made following a high-level meeting between the Vice President and a delegation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, led by Dr. Christopher Elias, head of the Global Development Programme. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, underscoring Nigeria’s strategic partnerships in addressing its most urgent developmental challenges.
Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to placing health, nutrition, and agricultural development at the forefront of the national agenda. “We are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis,” Shettima declared.
The Vice President emphasized that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian government remains steadfast in pursuing impactful reforms with transparency and efficiency. One of the key initiatives highlighted was the urgency in securing locations for maize production under the ambitious Telemaze programme, aimed at bolstering food security.
This collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria as it seeks to not only rebuild communities affected by natural disasters but also lay the groundwork for long-term growth in critical sectors. With these significant pledges, Nigeria is poised to make strides in tackling malnutrition, improving healthcare infrastructure, andboosting agricultural productivity.
As global attention remains focused on the outcomes of the UNGA, Nigeria’s proactive efforts in securing international partnerships demonstrate the government’s resolve to create lasting, impactful change for its people.
Stay tuned for further updates on these transformative initiatives as they begin to unfold across the nation.
PIONEER NEWS 