Funds donated for COVID-19 will grow economy – Ex VC Unijos

By Kingsley Chukwuka

Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Sabastine Maimako, has said if funds donated to government during the pick of the dreaded COVID-19 were judiciously used it will impact the economy in a positive way.

Maimako said well meaning Nigerians donated billions of naira into government accounts, adding that Nigerians are yet to see the impact of the donations.

The former VC stated on Thursday in Jos during an Annual General Meeting of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

“Billions of naira were donated by individuals, organizations and philanthropists into the COVID-19 trust fund, I advised that the resources, should be properly used so as to grow the economy of the nation”.

Speaking on the topic: “Demystifying the myth around the COVID-19 Vaccine”, Maimako also urged medical Doctors in the country to embark on massive campaign COVID-19 vaccine to end the conspiracy against the vaccine.

He noted that Nigerians react based on the advised of medical professionals and where some medical doctors are yet to take the vaccine gives room for the current conspiracy.

Also lending his voice, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Leonard Dilkon described the COVID-19 fund distribution by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a scam.

Dilkon noted that Nigerians who benefitted from the fund were only seen on Television.

“I think the issue of COVID-19 fund is a scam, I want to say it that it is a scam. Who are the people that have benefitted from this fund.

“I am a practicing farmer, I am a former member of the House of Representatives, we just see it on television, I am challenging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to come out and tell us those that have benefitted from the COVID-19 fund.”

He however encouraged Doctors to be dedicated to their duties particularly now that COVID-19 is ravaging the world.

On his part, the Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Innocent Emmanuel said the occasion provide room for stakeholders and members of the association to discuss and improve on the welfare of the association.

Emmanuel explained that the AGM titled, “Demystifying the myths around the COVID-19 vaccine” also provide opportunity for stakeholders to Demystify the myths behind the ravaging virus.

“The theme of the AGM, “Demystifying the myths around the COVID-19 vaccine” is serving as the most appropriate topic for discussion as we battle a disease whose biology we are yet to understand as it continues to exert a heavy toll on lives and livelihood.

“The enigma presented by the rampaging virus is compounded by a conundrum of myths that if not Demystified will leave a trial of regrets and consequences of ravaging proportion”, he said