Jonathan to launch terror Victim Support Fund on Thursday – Maku

President Goodluck Jonathan will on Thursday launch the terror Victim Support Fund with a fundraising dinner at the State House Banquet Hall.
Briefing State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said that the event would begin at 6pm.
Maku said that the council was briefed on preparations for the fundraising event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Ayim Pius Ayim.
He said: “The SGF informed us that tomorrow, the President will host a fundraising dinner here at the State House Banquet Hall for the private sector, international foundations and funding agencies as well as all Nigerians to contribute to the fund, which is specifically floated to support victims of terrorism in our country.
“This fund raising will enable all Nigerians to contribute to help our less fortunate citizens, who have unfortunately fallen victim to the activities of insurgents and terrorists, particularly in the Northern part of the country.
“This will help to provide support services, to provide immediate relief for those that fall victim to terror attacks in the country.”
Maku said that the Victim Support Fund was one of the presidential initiatives aimed at fast-tracking the reconstruction of the North East and other parts of the country affected by terrorism.
He listed the other initiative of the Presidency for the North East as the Safe School Initiative earlier launched by President Jonathan.
Maku added: “Mr. President himself told us in Council that this launch is so significant and he urges all Nigerians, particularly citizens who are in business, who have the opportunity to make contributions, to do something for our less fortunate citizens.
“All Nigerians are invited to make contributions.
“Tomorrow’s activity is just the beginning of it.
“After the fundraising dinner, the committee in charge, headed by General T. Y. Danjuma, will also unveil different mechanisms for collecting contributions by Nigerians.
“What is significant about this foundation is that the funding will be managed independently of government.”
Jonathan inaugurated the Danjuma-led committee on July 16 to raise money for victims of insurgency and administer the fund.