The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a significant $600,000 relief fund alongside commitments from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation aimed at enhancing efforts for flood victims and advancing health and agricultural reforms.

This funding was specifically earmarked for flood relief in Borno State, with the Gates Foundation also announcing a $5 million grant for the Lagos Business School and its partners to improve the agricultural economics related to industrial cassava. This announcement occurred during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Dr. Christopher Elias, head of the Foundation’s Global Development Programme, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Vice President Shettima stressed the Tinubu administration’s dedication to prioritizing health, nutrition, and agricultural growth. He stated, “We are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis.” Shettima also underscored the urgent need to secure locations for maize production under the Telemaze program.

He assured prompt action regarding import permits for certified seeds and emphasized the critical nature of food security and industrial agricultural development, particularly through the Cassava Accelerator programme. Additionally, the government is working on a comprehensive strategy for digitization and data exchange systems to enhance public services.

ALSO READ: Alarming Rise in Domestic Violence and Human Rights Complaints in Zamfara

Dr. Christopher Elias from the Gates Foundation expressed deep concern over the flooding in Borno and reiterated their commitment to supporting Nigeria during such crises. He also highlighted the Foundation’s dedication to aiding health sector reforms, particularly in the fight against polio.

Rodger Voorhies, President of the Global Growth & Opportunity Division at the Gates Foundation, elaborated on plans to expand drought-tolerant maize production and advance the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator programme. He noted the approval of a $5 million grant to the Lagos Business School to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava, describing it as a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Nigeria.

Uche Amaonwu, Director of the Nigeria Country Office at the Gates Foundation, pointed out ongoing collaborations, including a $60 million investment in sector-wide programmes focused on reproductive health issues. In addition, Alh. Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of the Dangote Group and co-chair of the Gates Foundation, paid a courtesy visit to Vice President Shettima during the event.