Softcom Limited has launched HelpNow, a new initiative to support Lagos residents in need due to the impact of the Coronavirus Disease, via a platform set up to pair donors with those who need support.
A firm dedicated to connecting people and business through meaningful innovation, Softcom is partnering with Deloitte, MTN, Ernst &Young, Banwo&Ighodalo, GTBank, Future Africa, Providus Bank, John Ashley Foundation, Wildreams, Lagos State Government and other corporate organisations in the initiative.
According to a statement made available to Financial Street by Betty Abang of Weber Shandwick, objective of the initiative is to provide support for at least two million vulnerable Lagos residents through a crowd-funding model that rallies the support of well-meaning individuals and corporates.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos noted, “The role of technology in addressing the socio-economic challenges of the modern world is not only important, but also incontrovertible. This consciousness is the reason technology is a critical component of the THEMES Agenda of our government.
“We are determined to leverage technology and associated innovations to make governance easier and transform our state.
“However, like the experience in other megacities in the world, COVID-19 outbreak has shown the fragility of our societies, and the need to seek innovative ways of addressing some of our immediate challenges has become more important.”
According to the governor, with the launch of HelpNow, 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 organisations to cater for the needy among us,” he added.
Sanwo-olu commendedSoftcom and its partners for creating a platform that encourages collaboration and speedily mobilisessuccour for the needy and vulnerable.
Chief Executive Officer of Softcom and convener of HelpNow initiative, YomiAdedeji, said, “We believe that while the pandemic affects everyone, the impact is not the same across the board. With limitations to economic activities, a good number of Lagosians are vulnerable and have a tough time taking care of themselves and their families. They need our help now to get back on their feet.
“Softcom is working with the Bank of Industry, Telcos, and Lagos State Government to organise the records of vulnerable Nigerians covering people with disabilities, the poorest households and the aged for this purpose. These records reduce guesses or duplication of efforts. They ensure that more people are reached, and no individual or family benefits more than once.”
Adedeji encouraged corporates and private individuals to support the initiative by visiting the Helpnow.ng website to donate, saying“no amount is too small to help those in need.”
He added that donors would be able to view the impact of their giving on the website through the testimonies of the beneficiaries.
HelpNow partners are committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 2030 on ending poverty, ensuring zero hunger and ultimately improving the quality of life and wellbeing of all, he noted.
