by Ugo Onwuaso,
Softcom, a company dedicated to connecting people and business through meaningful innovation, in partnership with Deloitte, MTN, Ernst &Young, Banwo&Ighodalo, GTBank, Future Africa, Providus Bank, John Ashley Foundation, Wildreams, Lagos State Government and other corporate organizations have launched a new initiative – HelpNow, to support Lagos residents in need due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic via a platform set up to pair donors with beneficiaries who require support.
HelpNow, an initiative of Softcom, is a private sector led collaboration in response to the debilitating effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the income and livelihood of millions of Nigerians.
The objective is to provide support to at least 2 million vulnerable people in Lagos through a crowdfunding model that rallies the support of well-meaning individuals and corporates.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. BabajideSanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State noted that ‘the role of technology in addressing the socio-economic challenges of the modern world is not only important, but also incontrovertible.
L-R: Seinde Olobayo, Chief Operations Officer, Softcom, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor and Yomi Adedeji, CEO Softcom at the HelpNow launch in Lagos on Thursday, June 18 2020
“This consciousness is the reason why technology is a critical component of the THEMES Agenda of our government”.
“We are determined to leverage technology and its 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 for addressing some of our immediate challenges has become more important”.
“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 mobilizes succour for the needy and vulnerable, I commend Softcom Limited and its partners.
“The people of Lagos State appreciate your ingenuity and thoughtfulness”, concluded the Governor.
Yomi Adedeji, ceo, Softcom Limited and convener, HelpNow initiative, 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, Telco’s, and LASG to organize 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. It ensures that more people are reached, and no individual or family benefits more than once.”
Also, to ensure the credibility and transparency of the initiative, Deloitte and Ernst &Young will provide audit, governance and operational risk support, ensuring every Naira donated gets to a beneficiary as promised.
Adedeji encouraged corporates and private individuals in Nigeria and worldwide to support the initiative by visiting theHelpnow.ng website to donate, saying no amount is too small to help those in need.
He said donors will be able to view the impact of their giving on the website coupled with testimonials of the beneficiaries.
He noted that HelpNow partners are committed to achieving the SDG Agenda 2030 on ending poverty, ensuring zero hunger, and ultimately improving the quality of life and wellbeing of all.
