The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola, has donated the sum of N25 million to the Federal Government as a contribution towards the containment of coronavirus in the country.
The renowned merchant made the donation to the government’s COVID-19 Pandemic Support Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria through his company, De-Damak Nigeria Limited.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, Akinola had earlier supported the Oyo State government’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus with a donation of N20 million to the state’s COVID-19 containment fund, also through his company.
The latest donation to the Federal Government was announced via a letter which he wrote to intimate President Muhammadu Buhari of the gesture.
According to Alhaji Akinola, the donation was based on one of the teachings of Islam which enjoins charity and compassion towards others, especially in times like this which are characterised by severe, desperate circumstances.
In the letter, the Muslim leader also commended the president for ensuring security of lives and property of Nigerians in the midst of the various challenges thrown up by the COVID-19.
The letter, dated 9 April, 2020, reads: “I respectfully write to inform Your Excellency that a transfer of the sum of N25,000,000.00 (twenty-five million naira only) was made to the COVID-19 Pandemic Support Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, being my little contribution towards the containment of coronavirus in the country.
“This is based on the teachings of my faith as stated in the Holy Qur’an, Chapter five Verse 32 that ‘Whoever saves a life it is as if he has saved the whole of mankind’. It is, therefore, my conviction that that my token will go a long way in saving lives.
“I also join other good-spirited people of Nigeria to wish all those who have tested positive for the pandemic virus speedy and permanent recovery. And I pray Allah to free the world in general and Nigeria in particular of the pandemic.
“Sir, kindly permit me to use this medium to praise Almighty Allah for Your Excellency’s proactiveness in ensuring security of lives and property across the nation despite the various challenges. I pray that Allah will continue to guard and guide you aright.
“Kindly accept the best wishes of my office as the Chairman and Chief Executive of De-Damak Nigeria Limited.”
