Africa News of Monday, 30 March 2020

Source: bbc.com

Nigerian politician pledges millions to fight virus

Bola Ahmed Tinubu Bola Ahmed Tinubu

A former Lagos state governor has pledged to donate millions to be used to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu says he will give 200m naira ($522,000:£420,000) to be split between the Lagos state government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Mr. Tinubu tweeted that the money would support the government's efforts.

Mr. Tinubu is the latest philanthropist to pledge a donation to help in the fight against the virus. Other prominent Nigerian leaders and businessmen have donated including Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday said a special fund of $40m (£32m) had been set aside to help deal with the pandemic.