The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has donated N20 million to support Lagos State Government in its fight against the spread of Coronavirus. This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Seye Awojobi, via a press statement.
Awojobi explained that the donation was made to boost funds available to the state government and assist in the procurement of much-needed essential materials and medical equipment.
“As a membership organisation, the Institute is fully committed to play it’s part towards the development of the Country. While noting that the donation was a token of its support towards the State Government’s response to the pandemic, it is believed that It would go a long way in the provision of the much-needed essential materials and important medical equipment,” he said.
Awojobi said the institute is committed to ensuring stable economy but want its stakeholders to experience healthy and sustainable development of the country. He commended the efforts and measures implemented by the Federal Government and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
[READ MORE: Germany pledges €5.5 million to aid Nigerians access to water, food)
Nairametrics had reported that President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a lockdown for 14 days to curb the spread of COVID-19. Prior to that, the Lagos State Government had banned large gatherings, shutting down businesses like restaurants, night clubs, social clubs, malls and cinemas.
But presently, only companies providing essential services like banks, telecommunications companies, hospitals, etc are allowed to remain open for business, while other companies conduct a work-from-home program to keep their businesses operational.
The donation by CIBN followed several donations from the private sector. Banks like Access Bank, GTBank, Fidelity Bank and Zenith Bank have been at the frontline of the donations, as well as providing equipment and isolation centres.
READ MORE: Okada ban: Gokada plans to offer logistics, boat services
With the donations and effort of the banking sector, Awojobi applauded the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele and all the banks which are also corporate members of the institute. He also advised that precautionary measures should be adhered to in order to curtail the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, Awojobi said the Institute had finalised method on how its annual general meeting and election of new officers, which would run institute’s affairs for two years, would be held virtually.
