First Bank of Nigeria Limited announced yesterday that it had donated the sum of N1 billion to facilitate the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria.
This follows similar donations by other top companies in the country, especially banks, many of which are acting in accordance with agreements reached by the CBN’s Bankers’ Committee.
According to a statement that was issued via Twitter, First Bank noted that the N1 billion donation would enable the Federal Government to acquire some critical medical equipment such as testing kits, as well as provide isolation centres which are essential in the ongoing fight against the virus. Part of the statement said:
“Furthermore, First Bank has donated N1 billion towards the joint effort which no doubt will go a long way to rapidly expand health facilities especially Testing, Isolation and actual treatment as well as the ICU facilities being promoted as part of the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) intervention.”
Doing More Together.
Our Update.#FlattenTheCurve #YouFirst pic.twitter.com/2k4lLmKT7o
— FirstBank Nigeria (@FirstBankngr) March 30, 2020
[READ MORE: COVID-19: Tinubu donates 200 million)
Note that First Bank of Nigeria Ltd had earlier made provision for e-learning facilities to enable children learn online while at home due to the virus.
In the meantime, First Bank said it would continue to look out for new ways through which it can offer help to Nigeria during this crisis period. The pandemic has wrought negative health and economic impacts on the country and elsewhere.
Concerning the bank’s operations during the lockdown period, the statement said First Bank did review its business continuity plan and is prepared to continue providing essential banking services to Nigerians going forward.
Recall that on Sunday the 29th of March, 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari declared a lockdown of the FCT, Lagos, and Ogun States as part of efforts to contain the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has since obtained permission from the Federal Government to allow banks to continue providing “skeletal services” during the lockdown period, in order to meet the financial needs of millions of Nigerians.