Heritage Bank Plc has joined the world to commemorate the 2020 World Malaria Day, amid fears that paying much emphasis on the novel Coronavirus Pandemic could reinforce progress on the mosquito-borne disease, especially in Africa.
The theme of the World Malaria Day 2020, is entitled, “Zero Malaria Starts with Me,” which is a grassroots campaign, first launched in Senegal in 2014.
In canvassing for fight against the malaria scourge and calling on all stakeholders to take proactive action in renewing their focus on eliminating malaria by 2030 as targeted by World Health Organisation, the MD/CEO of the bank, Ifie Sekibo said that zero malaria starts with every one of us working together for a more prosperous and healthy future for all.
Mr Ifie Sekibo
This call is coming against the backdrop of the global rise in malaria cases with the recent warning by WHO that the number of deaths caused by malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa could double to 769,000 this year, as efforts to curb the disease are disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to WHO, in 2018, there were 213 million malaria cases and 360,000 related deaths in the African region, accounting for over 90 per cent of global cases. The WHO said if the focus on slowing the spread of the new virus leads to a reduction by three quarters of access to anti-malaria medicines, deaths could double to 769,000.
“Countries across the region have a critical window of opportunity to minimise disruptions in malaria prevention and treatment and save lives at this stage of the COVID-19 outbreak,” the WHO said in a statement. It further alarmed that the doubling of the number of deaths represents the worst case scenario, which also assumes the suspension of all distribution of treated mosquito nets due to the pandemic.
However, Sekibo stated that malaria in Nigeria and Africa as a whole has been an unceasing prevalence and dilemma for communities, posing a challenge that has made eradication seem almost impossible.
In his call for collaboration to eliminate the disease in various society, Sekibo emphasized that to attain the global targets on malaria and the goals of Nigeria’s national malaria tactical plan would only be feasible through greater investment and expanded coverage of core tools to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria.
Sekibo stated that as part of the bank drive to support the fight against malaria, Heritage Bank proposes to focus on how malaria makes people susceptible to the present pandemic (COVID-19) in the world, whilst sensitizating the public on its social media platforms on COVID-19 as it relates to malaria. He further hinted that the overly concerns of exposure to COVID-19, as malaria and the virus have some symptoms in common which includes fever, headache and body pain, hence measures normally taken for malaria interventions have been suspended, which leaves vulnerable population (pregnant women and children) at a greater risk of contracting it. Sekibo stressed that early detection of malaria and proper management will reduce the mortality risk associated with COVID-19, whilst noting that community sensitization and mobilization around the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria is of great importance.
FirstBank mourns as we confirm the loss of our staff, Abdullahi Lawal who until his passing worked at our Kano Main Branch.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time as we do all that is necessary to support them. We ask that all necessary courtesies be extended to the family so they can grieve privately.
As a responsible corporate organization, FirstBank has been at the fore-front of the concerted efforts against the coronavirus pandemic alongside others.
We have robust protocols in place including practicing social distancing, frequently disinfecting our buildings and locations even whilst ensuring services are available through our alternative channels such as our ATMs and other digital platforms.
We have immediately therefore, shut down access to the premises as we disinfect the entire location and ask all staff and customers who may have been in contact with our late colleague to follow the NCDC guidelines and self-isolate. We will, as a matter of course, extend all possible support to staff and customers at this difficult time.
Our thoughts are with the family he left behind and indeed with the wider FirstBank family who mourn this loss deeply at this time.
We remain committed to protecting the health and safety of all staff, customers and host communities, as together the fight against coronavirus will be won.
The Ogun State Police Task Force on Illegality, OSTI now has in custody, four hoodlums who terrorised the Mangoro Area of Oke-Ata in Abeokuta, the State Capital, Thursday afternoon.
The Task Force, led by CSP Toyin Afolaogun, received distress calls from residents and immediately moved into action.
On arrival at the scene, officers of the team together with residents of the community arrested the four hoodlums. The residents had earlier mobilised themselves to tackle the menace.
Those suspects arrested are now in the custody of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.
Rest assured, the Ogun State Government will continue to ensure that there is adequate security of lives and property across the State.
Amid shuttering of social activities especially commercial services, through various lockdown measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic, FirstBank has proven that as long as its customers require services, the Bank will be waiting right in front of them.
As key enablers of the economy, banks are providers of essential services to customers and communities.
Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, CEO FirsBank Nig. Plc
Sequel to the pandemic outbreak, the Minister of Finance, Budget and Planning and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria obtained Presidential approval to permit critical financial services to function during this period.
CBN further urged the general public to limit their use of cash and avail themselves of alternative payment channels such as mobile banking, internet banking, mobile money, Point of Sale (POS), and USSD banking; assuring that financial institutions will remain operational during this period and therefore people should guard against panic withdrawals from their banks.
The assumption that banks will be able to deliver services during this period, was no doubt predicated on the fact that institutions like FirstBank already had a fully functional digital infrastructure, to serve its customers through electronic channels.
In a statement to customers, FirsBank’s CEO Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, categorically made this promise to them: “COVID-19 will not slow us down”.
“These are unprecedented times,” acknowledges Adeduntan “We therefore promise that now more than ever we will remain steadfast, showing up for all Nigerians; we would always be there for you.
“As I reflect on the last two weeks, I am comforted by the resilience of our people. I look back at our commitment and contribution to keeping commerce going and enabling businesses.”
These reassuring words of Dr. Adeduntan, do not go without tangible proofs of the bank’s unrelenting efforts to stay ahead of the situation many customers feared would cripple banking transactions and further exacerbate the pains brought on by the pandemic.
Indeed, since the enforcement of the lockdown measure, regular and unique ancillary services continue to be seamlessly delivered by FirstBank.
The impressive achievements of FirstBank in service delivery, during this unexpected disruption to lives and businesses on a global scale, has been nothing short of the extraordinary.
Or how would you explain over 53,000 agents bringing banking services right to your doorsteps, processing over 5 million transactions with different and large monetary values in the week preceding 10 April.
How about an approximate 2.5 million withdrawals amounting to N35billion across FirstBank’s ATMS in a single week?
On record, FirstBank’s larger corporate customers have done over 1,700 transactions successfully on the bank’s e-bills platform worth N6.8billion during this challenging period.
Nigerians with FirstBank cards have used them 21 million times for payments or withdrawals, worth N268 million.
Customers have made transfers over 10 million times with a total value of about N615billion naira across FirstBank’s digital channels all in one week.
How does a bank get all these done under the prevalent lockdown and disruption of regular routine?
“Expertise and resilience are in our DNA,” explains the Bank’s CEO, “we are working tirelessly to ensure that your banking transactions continue seamlessly and will remain so; COVID-19 will neither slow us down nor defeat us.
We are holding up our side, and now more than ever we will uphold our promise to you to be here for you and put You First.”
Indeed, the capability of banks to render uninterrupted digital services and investment advisory across many channels, especially during a crisis, projects economic stability.
More than ever before, the importance of the services banks provide to individuals and communities extends beyond commercial interests, especially now that cash withdrawals far outstrip deposits.
As an unprecedented challenge to financial institutions like banks, the current coronavirus pandemic serves as a litmus test for them to prove their role as systemic stabilizers, delivering services at least in part for social good.
As the crisis lingers with no end in sight, FirstBank staff remarkably are in place to attend to customers’ needs, in spite of the social distancing measure.
The bank continues to maintain all pre-existing channels of communication including receiving emails through its firstcontact@firstbanknigeria. com address and urging customers to contact their Relationship Managers or Private Bankers for banking services guidance and advisory.
Despite the extra efforts banks may put into rendering uninterrupted services in times like this, they are doing nothing more, than to meet the expectations of customers and maintain economic stability.
From a tactical level, financial institutions like banks can do a lot to reduce consumer and business stress, because as deposit gatherers, credit grantors, and payment facilitators, banks play a vital role in the functioning of the economy.
However, delivering solutions tailored to each individual customer at this critical time, also engenders trust and brand loyalty.
“We recognize our role in keeping the engine going, keeping society going and recognize further, it is our responsibility to remain at the forefront of this; true to our name and in keeping with the incontrovertible fact that we are fully woven into the fabric of society. Our unparalleled network and total coverage of this nation serve us all well at this time ensuring service across the country via our safe, user friendly and convenient alternative channels are available for you 24/7,” says Adeduntan.
While Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, large portions of the economy are in the informal sector and depend constantly on cash movement.
As the financial consequences mainly for MSMES become more serious due to paucity of inflows, (some major players in the economy – oil, aviation and tourism too are not spared) people will expect their banks to look out for them and protect them from imminent financial catastrophe.
Indeed, bank clients would like to see the pandemic brought under containment as soon as possible, in order to resume work and commercial activities. For them, a stable and reliable financial partner like FirstBank that has shown resilience and reliability would be an institution that can be leveraged on, to get business back on track and rolling as fast as possible, once this is over.
Adeduntan in concluding his statement says to the bank’s customers: “Rest assured that we are in this together, and together we will emerge stronger at the end of this period because this too shall pass. We have all it takes; your support, patronage and trust. We will always put You First”.
…orders 400,000 tests kit to increase Nigeria’s testing capacity
The private sector-led Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has ordered for 250,000 supplies for tests and another 150,000 extraction kits to fast-track molecular testing for the deadly coronavirus, noting that the reality of the situation at hand was such that efforts must be put together with no stone left unturned in dealing with the scourge.
The coalition also disclosed that no less than 1.7 million households would benefit from its food relief package as part of complementary efforts to help alleviate the effects of the lockdown and restrictions adopted by governments across the nation.
Briefing newsmen in Lagos on the group’s activities in helping the Federal Government halt the spread of the virus, leaders of CACOVID stated that the coalition has set up isolation centers in five states of Lagos, Kano, Rivers, Borno and Enugu as well as FCT, while renovations of hospitals and medical supplies are being carried out in other states.
Chief Executive Officer of Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), Zouera Youssoufou explained that all the partners in CACOVID are ready to roll out in all parts of the country having commenced building and equipping of isolation centers in some states.
According to her, there are currently three testing platforms for molecular testing in Nigeria, one of which is the “Open PCR machines”, which the Coalition has ordered for 10 units, with eight laboratories certified to conduct COVID-19 tests.
Ms. Youssoufou said, “Open PCR machine is currently the standard platform. Eight labs in Nigeria are certified to conduct COVID-19 testing; 10 new PCR machines and 150,000 extraction kits have been ordered. The other is Roche Cobus Platform with 6 Machines in Nigeria, each capable of testing 960 tests at a time. Nigeria was on track to receive 38,000 but we have ordered 250,000. 10,000 tests ordered by UNICEF have arrived on Thursday, April 16.
“We also have Cepheid Gene Expert Machines – there are 400 machines installed in the country. 250 are expected to be functional with trained lab technicians. Cepheid has developed a COVID-19 testing cartridge that has received FDA approval, and will begin shipping to Africa in two weeks. We have ordered 250,000 cartridges and expect shipment receipt in two weeks.”
In his remarks, Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, said the Coalition right from the onset knew the fight against coronavirus was not going to be easy but would require collaborative efforts of all.
He said the CACOVID-19 is approaching the fight against the virus from three levels, “One, it was clear from the beginning that no one institution can go it alone, so we solicit everybody’s cooperation in tackling this scourge. Two, while several measures are being taken to stop the spread, including lockdowns, restriction, social distancing, there is the need to address hunger. How do we cater to the feeding needs of the people if these measures are to be effective?”
Wigwe explained that the third level was the thought leadership aspect of the plan which is to tackle the post-pandemic aspect. According to him, “a lot of businesses have been badly affected and economies have been disrupted. How do we get them back to life after we might have defeated the coronavirus?”
The Access Bank GMD explained the modalities to be adopted to get the food relief materials to the targeted households, pointing out that it would be done from the bottom of the pyramid, which is the 774 local government areas where the CACOVID partners would be assigned to deliver the materials.
He said he was optimistic that the food relief materials would reach all intended beneficiaries because according to him, it was a path that has already been trodden by Aliko Dangote Foundation, which has been distributing foods to the vulnerable in the states and has been achieving results.
Also, responding during the briefing, the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Ferdi Moolman urged other private sector organizations which are yet to identify with CACOVID in the onerous task to join hands and make their modest contributions.
Justifying why no organization could afford to stay aloof, Mr. Moolman said the whole the world is not at peace presently and every nation is on its own fighting the battle of COVID-19.
The attention of Olugbo’s palace has been drawn to a false publication making the round on the media space fuelled by Adebanjo Mafimisebi; published by Sahara reporter against His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Obateru Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo, Ilaje, Ondo State.
HRM. Dr. FEO Akinruntan CON, the Olugbo of the Ugbo Kingdom
It is pertinent to note that; Kabiyesi Oba (Dr) FEO Akinruntan CON, the Olugbo of the Ugbo Kingdom, who is the chairman of Ondo State Council of Obas and chairman of the Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Council, is a promoter and lover of peace, it is very disheartening for anyone to link Kabiyesi to such absurdity. Every claim made in the said publication was targeted to rub the reputation Kabiyesi has built over the years in the mud.
Kabiyesi condemned in totality and entirety the attack on his people. He said; “I have urged all relevant security agencies to investigate deeply. Anyone found culpable during the process of investigation must be charged to court and be allowed face the wrath of the law. I was also briefed that the prime suspect, who shot the gun has been apprehended by security agency.”
For over eleven years on the throne as King, Kabiyesi has maintained peace and tranquility within the kingdom. As a father and guardian, ordering an attack on resident of his community as falsely reported should be discarded. Moreover, the said house was not occupied by any of the victims and not even a private residence or palace of the deposed Olugbo Adebanjo Mafimisebi, former Olugbo who was deposed on the order of Nigeria’s apex court; Supreme Court in 2007.
Setting the records stright; the said residence is an ancestral home/residence of any reigning and incumbent Olugbo of Ugboland, where necessary traditional rites are performed. Ever since Kabiyesi Oba (Dr.) Obateru Akinruntan ascended the throne in 2009, he has been performing his traditional rites in the said residence. Recently, Kabiyesi used the ancestral home/ residence as the venue for the distribution of food items and cash worth millions of naira as palliatives to the sons and daughters of Ugboland as a result of lockdown caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, the said residence has been in existence long before the short reign of the deposed monarch. How then can this same residence be claimed to have been owned and occupied by the deposed monarch?
It is worthy to note that Kabiyesi has been using his wide network and influence to further concentrate on the development of Ugboland for more development and modernization. “It is important to let you know that the people of Ugboland are at home with the monarch and cannot be painted as being at war with his subjects as falsely claimed. He is always at peace with his people. Kabiyesi has warned that nobody will be allowed to cause breakdown of law and order in the Ugbo Kingdom, most especially, during this critical time. Kabiyesi urges sons and daughters of Ugbo to continue supporting the Kingdom and the government to ensure peace and development in the land.” Olugbo-in-Council disclosed.
FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, makers of Peak and Three Crowns brands of milk, has donated the sum of N500million as a contribution towards Nigeria’s COVID-19 intervention fund organized by the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID).
The donation, which is coming as part of FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s corporate social responsibility follows the company’s recent donation of N100million worth of Peak and Three
Crowns milk products to support over 100,000 families in low-end communities and vulnerable groups who are at risk of compromising their nutritional needs. This donation is in
line with its purpose of providing better nutrition.
Explaining the corporate gesture in Lagos April 16, the Chairman of the Board of Directors,FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, Mr. Moyo Ajekigbe, said “The novel coronavirus
pandemic is a global disaster that has cost the world thousands of lives and threatens its economic well-being.
“At FrieslandCampina WAMCO, we believe that everyone must come together to make a difference. If we all join hands with government and credible associations to provide
substantial palliatives, critical medical supplies, and with the cooperation of every Nigerian through the adherence of precautionary measures, we will defeat the COVID-19. Hence our donation of products and funds” Ajekigbe said.
The Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr. Ben Langat further said, “As a company, we have made several donations to support meaningful initiatives in the fight
against the COVID-19 pandemic; this indeed represents the confidence and care we have for Nigeria. As we encourage Nigerians to unite to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and reach for their peak again, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria will continue to take responsible actions that ensure we make nourishing dairy nutrition accessible for Nigerians.”
Heritage Bank Plc has disclosed that the safety and wellbeing of its customers and employees are amongst the most pressing business needs, as the world grapple with the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on human lives, businesses and economies.
In view of this development, the MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo in his message to customers, explained that the bank has adapted to the changing environment swiftly to offer more seamless services that is usable and accessible without interruption.
According to him, the bank adopted a systemic business continuity management strategy, as a crisis response measures in place to minimise and manage the risk arising from the disease and ensure that the payment infrastructure and logistics to maintain seamless operations are readily available.
Mr Ifie Sekibo
He stated that despite the cessation movement by the Federal Government to contain the spread, “Heritage Bank remains resolute to continually serve you seamlessly despite prohibitions imposed on physical contact through our bouquet of electronic products which have been made available on notable mobile stores and our website (www.hbng.com).
Sekibo, who reiterated that Heritage Bank is people focused, noted that a percentage of its workforce work from the business offices to carryout duties which cannot be executed remotely, whilst others work remotely from home for safety.
He further stated that efforts were ongoing via the bank’s intranet and other channels to keep staff and customers up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 information and provide clear direction and guidance expected of workers and customers.
“All Heritage Bank staff have been trained in safety and protection measures and I will make it a responsibility that our organization continues to practice goof hygiene, through frequent hand washing, use of sanitizers, and practicing social distancing during and beyond the pandemic.
“We have setup a COVID-19 Support Centre to offer COVID-19 safety tips to all our customers during this period, in support of the efforts of the Government and relevant bodies. Please send any information relating to the COVID-19 pandemic via these channels: E-mail: HeritageBankCovid19Support@hbng.com and contact number: 01-2369099,” the bank’s helmsman stated.
Sekibo, who said, “we are in this together,” noted that the world are inspired by the selfless health workers on the frontlines; whilst commending them for their self-sacrificing and bravery in the fight to contain the spread of the virus to keep the world safe and inhabitable.
Meanwhile, the MD, who expressed his heartfelt wish for full recovery of those affected directly or indirectly by the virus, stated, “it is my supreme hope that the global halt comes to an end and that its cause, the virus, is vanquished sooner than later. I know that when this happens, we will rise from it all, stronger, as we started together.”
Strong indication has emerged to the effect that the running mate to Late Chief MKO Abiola in the annulled 1993 Presidential election, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe may replace the late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari whose death was announced by the Presidency late Friday night.
In a statement released by the Presidency yesterday, Mallam Abba Kyari, who had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2020.
ThePage reliably gathered that plans have started in earnest to fill the vacant office of the Chief of Staff to the President even as checks have revealed that Babagana Kingibe may be appointed the new Chief of Staff.
“Forget his ignoble role in the June 12 saga, Kingibe is a diplomat and a technocrat. He is close to the President. He is the unseen hand in charge of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA as it is today. He is one man who has been part of this government from behind the scene” a source privy to the plans towards the appointment of a new Chief of Staff revealed to The Page.
If Kingibe is eventually named the Chief of Staff, the appointment may be a good step towards his realising his Presidential ambition.
ThePage gathered that Kingibe may have before now, been one of the favourites, penciled down to succeed President Buhari, hence his involvement in the behind the scene day -to -day running of the Buhari administration.
Information just reaching us now is that President Buhari Chief of Staff Mr. Abba Kyari has lost the battle against the Covid-19.
Making this known few minutes ago through his twitter handle the SA Media to the President announced that the Chief of Staff is dead and that burial announcement will be announced by the family.
Mr Kyari was tested positive to the novel Corona Virus weeks back, he was thought to be coming out until the news was broken of his demise, we pray God grant his families and loved ones the power to bear the loss.
