HelpNow: A Unique Approach For Sourcing COVID-19 Donations
Nigeria’s first COVID-19 case was discovered in Lagos on February 28, 2020. Since then, over 37,000 cases have been confirmed, and about 805 deaths recorded.
To contain the virus, lockdowns, curfews, and restricted movement were enforced in Nigerian states. While physical distancing is recommended to flatten the COVID-19 curve, the restrictions had the unintended effect of slowing down the economy, leading to many losing their jobs, enduring reduced salaries, or simply being unable to cater for themselves and their families.
In addressing the severe economic impact of COVID-19 and the subsequent fall in oil prices, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $3.4 billion emergency loan to help Nigeria address the pandemic. Mr. Mitsuhiro Furusawa, the Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair of the IMF explained that the COVID-19 pandemic had magnified existing vulnerabilities in the economy, leading to a historic contraction of GDP. He said:
“The COVID-19 outbreak—magnified by the sharp fall in international oil prices and reduced global demand for oil products—is severely impacting economic activity in Nigeria. These shocks have created large external and financing needs for 2020. Additional declines in oil prices and more protracted containment measures would seriously affect the real and financial sectors and strain the country’s financing.”
In the face of the hardship caused COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a sense of unity and collective responsibility in handling the situation. Several organisations, private individuals and even international bodies have donated toward the containment of the virus and the treatment of COVID-19 patients in Nigeria.
So far, the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 announced that they had raised over N27 billion to combat COVID-19 in Nigeria. Additionally, Nigeria has also received COVID-19 monetary aid of about $21.4 million from the U.S Agency for International Development and material support from international bodies such as the European Union, the United Nations International Children’s Fund, the International Monetary Fund and several others.
However, a tech company in Lagos is taking a different approach to making their contributions in helping Nigerians survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lagos-based software company, Softcom has partnered with Deloitte, MTN, Ernst & Young, Banwo & Ighodalo, GTBank, Future Africa, Providus Bank, John Ashley Foundation, Wildreams, the Lagos State government and other corporate organizations to launch HelpNow.
HelpNow is a platform that provides financial and material support to Lagosians who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through HelpNow, Softcom hopes to support at least two million vulnerable people in Lagos by way of a crowdfunding model that pairs donors with beneficiaries.
While addressing Softcom’s laudable effort in using its technological expertise to help poor Lagosians, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said:
“With the launch of HelpNow today, we now have a platform that aggregates support for government’s efforts at alleviating the sufferings of the poor and vulnerable in our society. Government alone cannot address the socio-economic problems of any society. It needs the support of well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations to cater for the needy amongst us.
“Before now, there was no platform such as HelpNow that allows effortless intervention in the lives of millions from anywhere and anonymously. For creating a platform that encourages collaboration and speedily mobilises succour for the needy and vulnerable, I commend Softcom Limited and its partners. The people of Lagos State appreciate your ingenuity and thoughtfulness.”
Speaking about the HelpNow initiative, Softcom’s CEO, Yomi Adedeji explained that the company partnered with the Bank of Industry, the Lagos State government, and leading private organisations to put together a holistic platform.
“Softcom is working with the Bank of Industry, LASG, private organisations that are leaders in their fields to reach vulnerable Nigerians including people with disabilities, the poorest households and the aged, for this purpose. These records reduce guesses or duplication of efforts. It ensures that more people are reached, and no individual or family benefits more than once.”
To ensure credibility and transparency, Deloitte and Ernst&Young are on board to provide audit and governance, as well as to ensure that donated funds reach the beneficiaries as promised.
While the pandemic is affecting all Nigerians, the extremely poor are bearing the brunt of the circumstances. Softcom is hereby inviting corporate organisations and private individuals to help less privileged Lagosians by donating to HelpNow via the website – Helpnow.ng.
