COVID-19: Desmond Elliot, Giving.Ng raise N1bn for health workers

TRACKING___In support of health workers across the country, award-winning actor, Desmond Elliot, has partnered crowdfunding platform, Giving.Ng, to raise N1 billion health workers’ fund.

Elliot, who is also a member of Lagos State House of Assembly, shared a video on his Instagram page stating that there is a need for those taking care of the sick to also be taken care of.

Giving.Ng announced a crowdfunding campaign to support health workers, who are on the front-line of the coronavirus pandemic a few weeks ago.

The fund was set up to help take care of their hazard allowances as most of them in Nigeria earn just N5,000 ($14) monthly.

The fund pays them a minimum of N100,000 monthly and is governed by a diverse and multi-sectoral board led by Dr. Olaokun Soyinka.

According to Olapeju Ibekwe, the Project Manager, Giving.Ng, as the cases of infected Nigerians continue rising and the public is advised to practice social distancing, health workers have no choice but to go daily to take care of the sick.

He said: “Some of them have not hugged their wives and children in the past three months, just to protect their family from being infected. They definitely need our support.

“We are proud to partner with notable Nigerians like Desmond Elliot at this critical time for the benefit of frontline workers fighting the COVID-19 scourge.

“It is inspiring to know that there are people out there that still care. We are grateful for the partnership and look forward to more public figures standing up to be counted at this time.

“We also want to use this opportunity to call on Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, to step up and show their support by donating towards the welfare of our local frontline health workers.

“In the words of James Keller, ‘A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle’. You too can contribute your quota. Make your donations by visiting our website.”