Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote has donated N150 million ($924,000) to support control effort for the spread of the Ebola virus in Nigeria through the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Dangote Group.
“… Dangote foundation has funded the establishment of the Ebola emergency operation in Lagos, that is being done through grant from the foundation of just a little over N150 million,” said Mrs Adhiambo Odaga, Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Foundation at a recent media briefing in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
Adhiambo explained that the emergency operation centre was Dangote’s preferred investment in fighting the deadly virus, saying it was seen as a key platform through which the government could launch an aggressive onslaught againt the virus.
12 cases have already been confirmed in Nigeria, with three deaths recorded. The disease endemic to West Africa has led to 1069 deaths, according to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Odaga said the Foundation will further its engagement with Nigeria’s Health Ministry, to ascertain alternative ways it could be of help.
According to her, several interested parties have contacted the Foundation about the possibility of partnering with the government to contain the virus.
Aliko Dangote has therefore called on all Nigerians to cooperate with the government to put an end to the spread of the deadly virus in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that Africa’s largest economy would be able to contain the present crisis.
