(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/nigerian-coat-of-arms-logo-5322-300x281.png) President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has stated that there was the urgent need to strategise on how best to structure philanthropy for maximum impact and sustainability in Nigeria.
The President said this at the First Nigeria Philanthropy Summit that "We need to deliberate on ways of establishing and strengthening the fiscal and legislative frameworks that would enhance philanthropic activity to the mutual benefit of both the public and private sectors and indeed, in the overall public interest."
The President, who was represented at the event by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, stated that his administration was partnering with the Nigerian philanthropic community to design and execute intervention programmes that would positively impact on key sectors of the economy.
"For me, this philanthropic initiative is a critical step in our transformation agenda and our programme of reforms, especially as it relates to education, agriculture, health, sports, arts, culture and tourism and the disabled", he added.
He noted with delight, the numerous contributions of philanthropists to the uplifting of the socio-economic status of Nigerians in the areas of education, health, agriculture, poverty alleviation and disaster management, mentioning the likes of late Chief Moshood Abiola, Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony and Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim.
He also eulogized the philanthropic activities of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Lt Gen TY Danjuma (rtd), Mr. Mike Adenuga Jr., Sir Emeka Offor, Prince Arthur Eze, Tony Elumelu and several others.
Speaking further, he implored the Summit to come up with viable recommendations that would propel the activities of philanthropists in the country by thoroughly reviewing "The existing legal and regulatory framework for, philanthropic activities, particularly corporate and personal incentives and tax reliefs for funds so expended, which are not covered by our statutes."
President Jonathan who said he would be looking forward to receiving the outcome of the deliberations added that "We will continue to encourage our kindness, so that happiness becomes the preserve of the majority of our citizens."
In her remarks, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who observed that the Summit which was the first of its kind in Nigeria, was organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation. She said it was meant to support the realization of the objectives of the Transformation Agenda of President Jonathan and also to define new ways of harnessing philanthropy for the benefit of Nigerians.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stressed that Nigeria has a vibrant and responsive philanthropic community, which had contributed immensely to the development of the socio-economic status of Nigerians in all sectors of the economy.
The event was graced by notable personalities both within and outside the country, which include Mr. Tony Elumelu, Founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation, Jane Wales, President and CEO of the Global Philanthropy Forum, Christopher Chandler, Chairman of Legatum Global Holdings, and Mr. Christopher Maduka of Coscharis Motors and Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, among others. Also present were representative of corporate organisations.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria
That would be a very wise thing to do. It would be of great help to this country. I hope they start working on it as soon as possible cos it would make sense.