COVID-19: Atiku Pledges N50million as Palliative for Nigerians
AREWA AGENDA – Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has promised the sum of N50 million as part of his contribution in helping Nigeria provide palliatives for citizens amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Atiku made this known on his verified Facebook page.
According to the former Vice President, “We must accept the fact that much of the Nigerian public have a subsistence existence. A large percentage of our people do not have the financial capacity to withstand long periods of self-isolation and even lockdown.
“It is, therefore, incumbent on the Federal and state governments to provide palliatives to the Nigerian people to enable them to survive, even as they abide by these necessary measures put in place for their safety.” He said.
Mr. Atiku commended various Nigerian state governments who have proactively taken measures to curb the spread of the virus.
He advised the government to device modalities to distribute N10,000 as a supplement for foodstuff to each household, among other palliative measures.
Mr. Atiku also called on all Mobile Telephony Companies in Nigeria to urgently develop mobile money platforms so that the government can reach the unbanked with financial assistance.
“I also urge these telecommunications firms to offer each of the 100 million mobile phone lines in Nigeria free credit of at least ₦1500 per mobile line, so that Nigerians who show symptoms, or those who just want information, can call the nearest available health facility, or even an ambulance service, as the case may be.
“To this end, Priam Group pledges N50 million on my behalf as my humble contribution to a relief Fund that will form part of the stimulus package.” Mr. Atiku concluded.
It will be recalled that in order to centralize operation and pursue better efficiency in his businesses, former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has in December 2019 announced migration of all his business outfits into an umbrella brand known as the Priam Group.
Atiku, a business tycoon and industrialist is the founder of a number of businesses spanning several sectors of the economy including manufacturing, media, banking, logistics, agriculture, printing, education, eateries, beverages, real estate and animal food processing.
He is also a principal shareholder in many more companies both within and outside of Nigeria.
Under the new arrangement, many of the business concerns wholly connected to Atiku Abubakar will come under one brand and one common management.
Amidst the rapid spread of the virus, Atiku Abubakar who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, in the 2019 election has announced that his son tested positive for coronavirus.
He made his known via his verified Twitter handle on Sunday.
