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COVID-19: Heritage Bank joins WHO to celebrate health workers globally

Heritage Bank Plc has joined the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the celebration of “World Health Workers Week” and pay tribute to health workers globally for their selfless sacrifice and bravery in the fight against the novel Coronavirus pandemic causing countless mortality rates.

The event is an annual commemoration of health workers but this year’s is scheduled to honour and advocate for health workers during the 8th annual World Health Worker Week slated for April 6 – 11, 2020.

The theme for this year’s celebration is titled, “Leaders on the Line,” which according to WHO highlights the need to provide greater leadership opportunities for frontline health workers—particularly women health workers, who make up more than 70% of the global health workforce. It further explained, “At the same time, this theme emphasizes how health workers often put themselves on the line, often at great personal risk to themselves and their families, to save and improve lives.”

Commending the health practitioners worldwide, the MD/CEO of Heritage Bank Plc, Ifie Sekibo stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the world the heroic efforts health workers on the front lines make every day to keep their respective communities and the world safe and healthy.

“Despite the havoc caused by the of coronavirus pandemic on individuals and the medical personnel who are not spared by the disease, they continue to play significant roles to contain the spread of the disease, carter for the affected patients and embark on research to attain robust understand of COVID-19. They also take steps further to proffer recommendation on how to remain safe, hale and hearty, whilst we all embrace the warmth and safety of our home. This is a calling for every individual within and outside to honor and support the brave healthcare workers doing life-saving work on the front lines,” he stated.

He, however, assured that as a bank “We are proud to join forces with health workers and agencies to help suppress the transmission of the virus, minimize social-economic impacts on the global community and work together to boost the nation economic growth,”

Also, as part of effort to support and attain a more robust health system in the country, Sekibo has further called and encouraged government at all levels, key stakeholders, including the private sector to strengthen financial and technical support for health workers, as part of efforts to create a safer environment for them.

According him, it calls for our collective joint action to combat COVID-19 since we are in this together and we will get through this together.

Meanwhile, Heritage Bank has assured customers of uninterrupted access to the various services, which they have been enjoying before now.

This has been made possible with the activation of the bank’s business continuity management emanating from Heritage Bank’s corporate strategy to guarantee seamless service delivery to the various stakeholders.

The bank also adopted a crisis response measures in place to minimise and manage the risk arising from COVID-19 and ensure that the payment infrastructure and logistics to maintain operations going as various State governments continue to observe lockdown to contain the pandemic.

To ensure seamless banking transactions, the bank explained that customers are constantly communicated to, to adopt its available 24/7 alternate electronic channels.

“We have encouraged our customers to adopt the self-service platforms by using the *745#. We are available via email info@hbng.com and social media (insert social media icons) to render the following services: Debit Card Hotlist, Post No Debit Request (PND Placement), HB Padie unlock/ username request/ Password reset, Statement of Account (individual accounts) and general inquiries on products and services

“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 explained.

Prudential Zenith Life Insurance Unveils Additional Benefits for Customers Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic

Following the launch of its Coronavirus (COVID-19) initiative, Prudential Zenith Life Insurance has announced some additional benefits designed to address the negative impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has claimed thousands of lives globally.

According to a statement released by the company, the benefits which apply for a period of 45 days – from April 3^rd to May 18^th 2020 – will ensure that customers who have purchased or who intend to purchase any of the following Prudential Zenith Life products: My Family Protection Plan, My Family Protection Plan Premier, My School Fees Protection plan, PZL Term Assurance, PZL Hospital Plan and My Savings Plan-Premier will enjoy a ‘Diagnosis Benefit’, which entitles the insured who has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus by the State to a cash amount of thirty-eight thousand and a ‘Treatment Benefit’ of nine thousand daily for a maximum period of 25 days to cater for losses or incidental expenses.

The statement further noted that the company has reduced the normal waiting period from 6 months to 14 days for these benefits to apply to any new customer, while for existing customers, these additional benefits apply immediately.

Also, for any customer who has bought a policy from the company and who is diagnosed with COVID-19 or who is formally retrenched as a result of a business having to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will provide a three-month premium holiday. This means that the policy will not lapse and the customer will still enjoy the protection benefits of their policy even if they are unable to pay their regular premiums during this period. This is in addition to any ‘Death Benefits’ that are payable when due, as the company does not exclude death caused by COVID-19 under any of its policies.

To avoid any ambiguity, the company stated that it is important to note there are policy exclusions to this offering as listed below:

We are not liable to pay claims if:

Treatment is for any reason other than the contraction of the COVID-19 virus.
On or after the start of the policy, the Covered Person travelled to any country or area included in the list of “countries/ areas with active community transmission of COVID-19” as announced by the Nigerian Ministry of Health or World Health Organisation at the time of his/her travel.
The covered person is in self-isolation or hospitalised but has not been officially diagnosed and hospitalised by the State.

The following shall apply to new clients only:

The Covered Person(s) has already officially been diagnosed with or already has signs or symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of signing on to the Plan
The Covered Person(s) was under mandatory self-isolation in the past 14 days from the time of registration due to close contact with an infected person or having demonstrated COVID-19 symptoms.

Other Important Points to Note

The benefits will be provided for all clients that qualify with active policies.
Benefit are also available to ALL of our customers who’s employer has taken out a Critical Illness policy with Prudential Zenith Life” to “Group Life policy with Critical Illness rider
A claim can only be made once in respect of each Insured Life.
Covered Lives refers to all lives covered under the policyholder’s active existing insurance policy (ies) and includes all named individuals covered under a Group Critical Illness policy taken out by an employer of those individuals.
An Active Policy is a Prudential Zenith Policy which has not lapsed, been cancelled or terminated and on which premiums are received as stipulated in the contract of that policy.
All claim substantiating documents, should be duly stamped and signed by the issuing authority.

Live life fully covered with Prudential Zenith.

FIRSTBANK SALUTES MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS TACKLING COVID-19

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has saluted medical professionals tackling the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and the world..

The Bank in series of tweets on its Twitter page on Friday, acknowledged the role medical experts are playing to fight the virus.

Some of the messages read: “No capes, just heroes. To all the health professionals at the frontline of efforts to tackle COVID-19, we say thank you. Your timeless efforts are much appreciated. The world called and they responded.”

“No cape, just lab-coats. No superhuman capability, just dedication, strength, and compassion. As we play our parts of staying at home, we thank our medical professionals for being our ‘Avengers’.”

“The world called and they responded. We salute our frontline warriors.”

FirstBank has been in the forefront of supporting the drive to flatten the curve with promoting public enlightenment being among its many measures to check the rising spread of Coronavirus since the outbreak of the disease in Nigeria.

Recall, the lender, as part of a robust effort to combat the deadly virus, recently announced a donation of N1 billion to the federal government of Nigeria for the expansion of health facilities, purchase of relief materials, critical care facilities, protective gears to contain the spread of the virus and treating individuals diagnosed with the disease.

The donation is in addition to the Bank’s drive to move one million children to e-learning, together with an early partner – Roducate – as recommended by the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the e-learning initiative is a complementary effort in education to support students and minimise the disruption to their education resulting from closure of schools.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Friday night confirmed 20 new cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

Eleven cases were confirmed in Lagos, three cases confirmed in the FCT, 3 in Edo, two in Osun and one in Ondo

“Two new deaths have been recorded in Lagos and Edo States, with 25 cases discharged. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to 210,” the centre said.

Repackaged Abuja Begging Profession that put Beggars’ Earning above Civil Servants’

By Felix Victor

Canadian writer Marty Rubin once said, “Giving alms to the rich is a luxury no beggar can afford”. This assertion is not looking like a saying for Nigeria if the strategy employed by some skilled Abuja beggars is put into consideration, it is a fact that that the recently celebrated increased minimum wage is nothing but stipend compares to how much these set of professional beggars are making just for collecting stipends from unsuspecting Nigerians.

It is no new thing to an average Nigerian who steps out at the early hours of the morning and comes back at late evenings to get approached by tattered looking children or elders, who sings chorus trying to evoke sympathy and attract currencies. Over the years, the strategies of these beggars seem to have evolved from seating at road sides with plates, to looking tattered and singing, down to dressing properly and standing at the road side and now making moves like they are commuters and those the ones that are making the real cash out of bus passengers.

These beggars stand at bus stops where there targets are the buses on queue loading passengers in turns, looking all flashy as though they were headed to an office, they get into busses and ensure they are noticed by those in the vehicle, the sometime put pressure on the drivers to move fast, (probably because they’ve got clients in other busses they have to catch up with), immediately the bus starts moving, they smile at the person seating next to them and say “sorry please can you assist me with 100 naira?” Of cause as easy as that seems, the person gives to them, after a while they highlight with an excuse that they changed their mind as to where they are headed and move on to the next bus.

Findings shows they usually works on vehicle with a daily target of 40 and above, putting it into perspectives a free gift of N100 per or more vehicle with above 40 vehicles (always moving in the direction that is having high movement of commuters) per day, will be looking at an amount around N4,000 per day and N24,000 per week excluding Sundays because commuters are usually not much that day, monthly they will be going home with and average amount of N96,000 an amount that makes the civil servant salary with the new minimum wage looks more like beggars.

Corporate begging it was gathered is a new found occupation that is not restricted only to Abuja it has its root in Lagos and the actors are even said to have formed an association. With the employment situation in the country professional begging seems to be a new employment opportunity for jobless Nigerian since the government haven’t granted them any and the workers varies from the young to the old.

Unpalatable Tales trails the distribution of Lagos COVID-19 Emergency Food Response

Wickedness will be the right word to describe the actions of some people involved in the distribution of relief material made available by the Lagos State Government for the people when a lockdown of every activities were announced by both the State and the Federal governments. The aim of the package is to help put food on the table of poor Lagosians whose livelihood will be affected by the lockdown, but information reaching us from different areas is sad.

It was brought to our notice that the people are not actually getting what was reported to be in the pack, while Lagos government made it known through different media that a pack of Covid-19 Emergency Food Response pack will contain a sizeable amount of rice, beans, garri and what can be used to cook it like sachet tomatoes and some other items which of course includes water, we gathered that the people are only getting outrageous stuffs that falls far below what the government announced.

Findings revealed that packages getting to the people are so poor and unlike what was publicly displayed by the State government, though it varies we were informed that the Local Governments (LG) or Local Council Development Area (LCDA) were saddled with the responsibility of distributing the relief packages based on Community Development Association (CDA), it was revealed that some CDAs were only able to get three (3) packs of the Emergency Food Response while some gets like five (5) not forgetting the fact that the law of Lagos State governing CDA formation made it clear that it will take minimum of 20 persons to form a CDA.

What this means is that each house may not get up to one measuring tin of only one of the item in the package, one case was that of Igando-Ikotun LCDA where a street of more that twelve (12) house were given a few cups of beans, in the video made available to us by some of the residents the package brought for the street more than 20 families living on the street is just the beans and a sachet of tomato paste. Another street were also receive few cups of rice while some could only get garri.

This is unpalatable news to many of the residents who had high hopes of feeding their families during this trying period that has exposed most of them to untold hardship in catering for the feeding of their family due to the government imposed lockdown. What is however unknown is if the rationing is from the State government (which sources said is not likely) or the fact that the LG and LCDA officials has decided to short-change the poor like the culture in Nigeria.

Video

https://www.societygazetteng.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/WhatsApp-Video-2020-04-02-at-2.13.13-PM.mp4?_=1

MTN Respond to Minister of Labour’s Plea, Gives free 300 SMS to Nigerians

The clarion call by the Minister of State, Labour, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN FCIArb (UK) to telecommunication companies and Pay-TVs in Nigeria to come up with a social safety net programme for the masses to ease the Covid-19 pains has began to yield results with a swift response from one of the telecommunication giants.

Concerned with the plights of the masses amidst the federal government’s compulsory stay home order on the Covid-19 plague, the Minister had released torrents of messages from his Twitter handle urging Pay-TVs and telecommunication companies to gift free data, call credits and at least 1-month subscription for their numerous customers. This is in order to allow them stay in touch with the world and their relatives.

And in a swift reaction, the management of MTN, one of Nigeria’s telecommunication companies has responded to the Minister’s tweets by promising its subscribers free 300 sms to all networks of their choice.

“We understand how important it is to keep in touch with loved ones during this period. Now you can with 300 SMS to all networks. #staysafe#connected”, MTN’s response on its Twitter handle, @MTNNG.

As a way of appreciating their reaction to his tweets, the Minister thanked MTN management but not without begging for more, Thank you@MTNNG for responding to my plea, especially for the hard-hit workers this time. We really appreciate. But I believe you can still do more. Specifically, we politely ask for some token data and airtime. Nothing is too small. Other networks should kindly follow suit. The Minister pleaded.

Prophet Iginla’s 6 Years Old Prediction about COVID-19

The world is currently on its knees deep in fear, and this is not unconnected to the outbreak of the pandemic known as coronavirus.

However, as panic sweeps across the world over the catastrophic terror of death caused by the dreaded pandemic known as coronavirus, it is important to know that God has spoken about it six years ago through his prophet , Joshua Iginla before its emergence .

Since world leaders are seeking for solutions at such a time like this, coupled with the fact that scientific fraternity is incapacitated, then they should turn to God and listen to his prophet whom he sent as his mouth piece.

In 2014, Iginla prophesied accurately about a dreadful disease coming in the year 2020.

“ I see a dreadful sickness worse than HIV. I see a beast coming out. I saw medical experts gathered round this beast but could not conquer it . And I see it killing millions of people between 2014 and 2020. Let’s pray that between 2014 and 2020 we won’t see a breakout of this virus that will kill millions. This is a plot. It’s an end-time sickness. When we talk about HIV , this is not it. It is something that will blow up the minds of scientist.

It would be recalled that the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus.

The outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in December 2019, and was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020. As of 21 March, more than 276,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in over 180 countries and territories, resulting in more than 11,300 deaths and 88,000 recoveries causing global panic and emergencies across the world .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y57ywfWhyHs&t=38s

Gas Explosion: Zenith Bank Commiserate with LASG, Donates N100m to Emergency Relief Fund

Zenith Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, has donated N100 million to the Emergency Relief Fund set up by the Lagos State Government for the victims of the Abulo-Edo explosion.

The Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu made the pledge on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, when the Management of the Bank visited the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the State House, Marina, Lagos to condone with him and the good people of Lagos State on the unfortunate incident of March 15, 2020 which led to the loss of lives and properties at the Abule-Ado area in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Onyeagwu said: “For us in Zenith, we share in the concerns and the very traumatic experience that Lagos state is passing through. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, those who lost their lives and those who are still in the hospitals, recovering. We can only but pray that God will comfort the families. We are also very impressed with the fact that the response from the Lagos State Government was quick, rapid and immediate. There is nothing you can do to quantify the loss of lives. The only thing one can do is to ameliorate the sufferings, the pains and the discomfort of those who have been terribly impacted. So, we would like to let Mr. Governor know that we share with him at this moment. We are aware that you’ve also set up a relief fund account and we are willing to make an immediate contribution of N100 million”.

On his part, the Lagos State Governor expressed his sincere appreciation to the Management of the Bank for taking time out of their busy schedule to embark on the sober visit and stand with the State Government in this trying moment. While thanking the bank for the N100 million donation to the emergency relief fund set up by the State Government for victims of the explosion, he also expressed his delight at the bank’s acceptance of the offer to co-house the fund.

Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had on Monday while speaking with stakeholders and journalists at the explosion site, disclosed that a N2 billion Abule Ado/Soba Emergency Relief Fund had been set up for the victims. He said the state government have donated N250 million to the fund and solicited for support from all Nigerians including the private sector.

Lagos Explosions: Fidelity CEO Commiserates With Victims, Assures Affected Traders of Support

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo on Monday commiserated with traders and others victims of Sunday’s tragic explosion in Abule Ado, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State. Accompanied by other Executive Management staff, Okonkwo who visited the affected market areas was received by the leaders of the Balogun Business Association (BBA), Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) and Association of Progressive Traders (APT). He prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died in the explosion and disclosed the bank’s readiness to make some token contributions to members of the traders’ associations whose shops and properties were destroyed. “We thought to come this morning to commiserate with you and see first-hand the damages caused by effects of the explosions” said Okonkwo.

Responding, the market leaders thanked the bank for the gesture, noting that Fidelity Bank has been a true supporter and remains the most responsive of all financial institutions in the market. “Fidelity is not the only bank in this market. Coming here barely 24 hours after this incidence and offering financial support in addition, is quite commendable. We are still evaluating the extent of damages and the number of our members affected” said President BBA, Chief Anthony Obih.

The Presidents of ASPAMDA and APT also expressed gratitude to Fidelity Bank. “You have indeed demonstrated to us that we are indeed partners. We will reciprocate this kindness and will continue to do everything within our powers to support the bank” stated President ASPAMDA, Chief Daniel Oforkansi. On his part the APT Market Association President Chief Eric Ilechukwu called on other corporate entities to emulate Fidelity Bank saying “it is people and organizations like you that we want. If others are like you, things will be better for it”.

Several residential and commercial buildings as well as cars were destroyed in the explosion that rocked Abule Ado to its core. The resulting fire, from the explosion, later spread to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) oil pipeline passing through the area, although the pipeline was shut down as a precautionary measure. The explosion caused widespread panic among Lagos residents after it shook many houses in Ijegun, Festac Town and other communities outside Amuwo Odofin.

L-R: Ezenwa Oguadinma, Treasurer, Balogun Business Association (BBA); Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc; Tony Obih, President, BBA; Emeka Igbosupolu, Vice President, BBA during the visit to the markets at BBA, ASPAMDA and APT to commiserate with the victims of the Lagos explosion on Monday

L-R: Eric Ilechukwu, President, Association of Progressive Traders (APT); Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc; Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Executive Director, Lagos & South-West, Fidelity Bank Plc and Daniel Oforkansi, President, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA), during the visit to the markets to commiserate with the victims of the Lagos explosion on Monday.

PROPHET TB JOSHUA’S MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT TRUMP

On 28th December 2019, TB Joshua released his prophetic message for 2020 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6aJLBVG96c). He said, “This year will be a year of humility. This year, the Lord will humble us with our challenges. Challenges can be affliction, disease, sickness etc. To humble us with these is for those things to destroy us or expose us. Let us move closer to God.”

The same message said regarding the world economy: “Agriculture will help the economy because the economy will have a backlash….”

Specifically, concerning America, he said: “America should invest more in agriculture because their economy will be affected. The economy they see today will be affected, so they should invest in agriculture and encourage the farmers.”

The prophecy was given in parables, with the wisdom of God. What is affecting

This is an official message from The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) regarding US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a travel ban on visitors from European countries to America over the coronavirus outbreak.

The same message said regarding the world economy: “Agriculture will help the economy because the economy will have a backlash….”

The prophecy was given in parables, with the wisdom of God. What is affecting the economy today? COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

The same message said, “Many sicknesses and diseases that leaders have been treating privately will surface this year.”

According to the US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, China had this issue for several months and had been treating it silently. He said, “Unfortunately, rather than using best practices, this outbreak in Wuhan was covered up…. This probably cost the world community two months to respond.” Today, it has surfaced – as TB Joshua predicted.

The prophecy continued, “They will become bedridden and many will not make it.” Indeed, this is exactly what is happening.

The same prophecy said, “Pray for unity and understanding among the British Royal Family – because of what I am seeing.” Days later, Prince Harry announced he was stepping down from his duties in the Royal Family.

The same man – TB Joshua – is hereby telling President Donald Trump: “This travel ban on flights from Europe will cause a backlash. It will affect the American economy the more and also the world economy. It will also affect the forthcoming election in America – in one way or another. The travel ban is not the best way to stop the spread of coronavirus. The initial measures America put in place are the best way – they just need to be reinforced. Corona-virus is fear and fear lingers in the air. Fear does not need to fly to America or any other country on a plane before being contracted. In conclusion, we are on our knees praying.”