Philipinnes receive US$300,000 donation from Nigeria Government

Ambassador Buba Tekune, Charge d’Affaires of the Federal Government of Nigeria, turned over to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, a donation amounting US$300,000.00 (equivalent to PH14,000,000.00) and housing/construction materials to support the Government’s Post-Haiyan rehabilitation efforts and to benefit the Filipino victims of Typhoon Haiyan in a turnover ceremony held at the DSWD on August 19.

The simple ceremonial turnover was also attended by DSWD Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera, Mr. Murtala Jimoh, Senior Counsellor/Head of Chancery of the Nigerian Embassy, Director Leilani S. Feliciano, Director, Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Middle East and African Affairs, and some members of the Philippine media.

In his message, Charge d’Affaires Tekune stated that the financial (cash donation) and material assistance given reflects the Nigerian Government’s sincere desire to forge long-lasting bonds with the Philippines and the Filipino people. He added that the donation is also an expression of the Nigerian Government’s solidarity with and compassion for the victims of the November 2013 super typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan that caused unfortunate death and destruction in the Central Philippines.

After the turnover of the check and the signing of the deeds of donation, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Soliman conveyed the Philippine Government’s deep gratitude to the Nigerian Government for its generous donation which was given three months shy of the second anniversary of the typhoon in her acceptance message.