By Adedayo Akinwale
The federal government has donated medical supplies worth N67 million to the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe.
The donation was made on behalf of the Nigerian Government by the acting Head of East and Central African Affairs Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tukur Maigari, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama.
In a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the minister on media, Ms. Sarah Sanda, the government of Sao Tome and Principe requested Nigeria’s assistance with medical equipment to help in its ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Onyeama disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari approved the donation of five tons of medical equipment based on the request, adding that the medical equipment included units of test kits, extraction kits, infrared thermometers and personal protective equipment to test up to 20,000 people in Sao Tome and Principe.
According to him, “The donation is based on the request of the government of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe for the assistance of Nigeria to donate medical equipment to assist in the ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the country.”
He stated that the two countries share a marine border which necessitated the establishment of the Nigeria-Sao Tome Joint Development Authority (JDA) for exploration of natural hydrocarbon resources for the benefit of both countries.
The minister said Nigeria would continue to cooperate with and remain on friendly terms with all nations that recognise and respect its sovereignty.
Also speaking, the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Sao Tome and Principe in Nigeria, Djazalde Agujar, on behalf of his government, expressed appreciation to Nigeria for the ‘great’ help in combating COVID-19 in the country.
He said: “We know that Nigeria as well has been dealing with it (virus), so we value very much the way the Nigerian authorities came to the help of Sao Tome and Principe Government as soon as
we asked for this to be provided.
“This also expresses the good and frank relationship that exists between Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe. This is just an example, but we hope and we trust that it will enhance the cooperation and friendship of our two peoples and our countries.”
