Keystone Bank PLC has pledged N1billion to the federal government for the purchase of relief materials, critical healthcare facilities and protective gear to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.
The bank’s Acting Managing Director, Mr. Olaniran Olayinka, in a statement made available to Daily Trust in Lagos, said the pledge is part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) “to provide an enabling environment by improving the well-being and health of the communities wherein we operate.”
He stated that the pledge was made during the Bankers’ Committee meeting held recently to support the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in its bid to raise funds for the fight against coronavirus pandemic through the newly-formed Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Committee against COVID-19.
“What we have is a situation that calls for an inclusive support for humanity. A time that all hands must be on deck to support the assiduous effort the government is making to manage the situation.
“The decision to support the government’s effort is consistent with our unshakable resolve to promote health initiatives which is a very key pillar in our corporate social responsibility plans.
“It is also crucial in our role as a signatory to the principles of responsible banking by the United Nations Environment Finance Initiative working to achieve a sustainable future.
“At Keystone Bank, we remain firmly committed to our promise of supporting Nigerians to thrive and this means for us showing up when it matters most. For us, this is one of such moments,” Olayinka said.
He assured Nigerians that the COVID-19 pandemic will soon be overcome.
“I am very confident that the current prevailing health challenge will soon be an episode in the footnote of our history.
“We have the capable human resources, the will on the part of the government and the support of every Nigerian to end the pandemic at the earliest possible time,” he added.
Daily Trust reports that as at Saturday night, the number of confirmed cases of the virus has risen to 97 in Nigeria.
Most states of the federation have now declared total lockdown as part of efforts to reduce the spread of the virus in the country.
