President Buhari Appointed By ECOWAS As Regional Head Of Covid-19 Response
With the Coronavirus statistics in West Africa rising every day, the leaders of West African nations have decided that it is high time they come up with an intelligent strategy to defeat the virus. Yesterday, ECOWAS dropped this on their website, prior to the summit that held today.
“The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government will be holding an Extraordinary Session through videoconference tomorrow April 23, 2020, scheduled to Start at 10:00 am Universal Time.
The Heads of State will be discussing the Situation and Impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in the ECOWAS Region. Preceding this Extraordinary Summit, the Ministers in Charge of Finance and the Governors of Central Banks from the Region held a virtual Extraordinary Session on April 21, 2020, on the COVID-19 situation.
To address the COVID-19 Situation in the Region, ECOWAS had immediately made available financial support, in addition to assistance from international partners, for the purchase of medical supplies and equipment essential for the fight against the pandemic.
As of April 20, 2020, according to the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) data, the 15 Member States have recorded 5,474 confirmed cases, 1,567 recovered, 140 deaths, and 3,767 active cases. ECOWAS reaffirms its solidarity with the Member States and welcomes all the measures already taken to contain the spread of the pandemic and care for the sick.”
Source: ECOWAS
In the summit, President Buhari was said to have advised other African leaders; “embrace agriculture, technology, and innovation in order to emerge stronger”. President Buhari was now named Regional Head of the COVID-19 Response. He is said to be the “champion” and all other heads of states are to assist him in his duties.
Soon after, the presidential Twitter handle tweeted “The appointment took place Thursday at the Extraordinary ECOWAS Summit on COVID-19 which was held via teleconferencing under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger. #AsoVillaToday”
Image Source: Twitter.com
ECOWAS Contribution To Covid-19 Relief
The Economic Community Of West African States has made contributions to support member states in the fight against the deadly COVID-19. It has contributed 30,500 diagnostic test kits – 10,000 Personal Protective Equipment; and 740,000 prescription tablets (Chloroquine and Azithromycin) were distributed to the Member States.
Nigerian Federal Government Contributions Towards COVID-19 Relief
The federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has been working actively to devise ways to give relief to its citizens during the pandemic. Meetings have been held and plans drafted over the past few weeks.
Direct Food and Cash To Citizens
The federal government of Nigeria has commenced the disbursement of food to less privileged citizens. The federal government, seeing the predicament of Nigerian citizens, particularly the vulnerable ones who are either old, disabled, or do daily jobs has also decided to disburse cash to citizens using their BVN to decide who needs money most.
Tax
The FIRSC(federal internal revenue commission) under the auspices of the Federal Government, has also extended the due date of company income tax payment by one month. Low-income earners like transport workers have been excluded from tax payment. The use of electronic platforms for the payment of tax is another innovative contribution by the FIRS to combat the spread of the virus.
Image Source: Twitter
Private Individuals And Corporations Contributions
The Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) which was set up by the Central Bank Of Nigeria is doing so much more than anyone expected. As of April 4th, 2020, the sector had put together 19.4billion naira. This shows the dedication of Nigerian citizens to support the government in the eradication of coronavirus.
CACOVID has been instrumental in the increase of testing and isolation centers and the provision of medical equipment needed. This sector is led by Access Bank Group, The Aliko Dangote Foundation, Guaranty Trust Bank, and many others.
What's Your Reaction?
