United Bank for Africa (UBA) on Thursday said it will through its nonprofit arm, UBA Foundation, donate N5 billion towards Africa’s response against the coronavirus pandemic.
The donation comes after the Dangote Foundation pledged N200 million to Nigeria’s effort against the virus and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s pledge of N50 million relief fund.
UBA said the donation will “provide significant and much-needed support to Nigeria and 19 other African countries, by supplying relief materials, critical care facilities, and financial support to Governments.”
According to a UBA statement, N1 billion will go the Lagos state government, while the remaining 35 states will share another N1 billion.
UBA also pledged N500 million to the Federal Capital Territory, and another 1.5 billion for Medical Centres with equipment and supplies, and free Telemedicine call centre facility.
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“This is a time when we must all play our part,” Tony Elumelu, UBA’s Group Chairman, said. “This global pandemic must bring citizens, governments and business leaders together – and quickly.
“As we see a rapidly increasing number of cases of the coronavirus in Nigeria and Africa, the private sector has to work hand in hand with various Governments, in stemming the spread of the global pandemic.”
Yetunde Adegoke
