UBA donates USD 14 million (N5 b) for COVID-19 relief support in Africa

LAGOS, Nigeria – Africa’s leading bank, United Bank for Africa Plc  today announced a donation of the sum of N5 billion(USD 14 million) through the UBA Foundation to catalyse a comprehensive Pan-African response to the COVID-19 pandemic which is raving Africa and the rest of the world.

So far, the COVID-19 pandemic has afflicted  467, 710 people worldwide, killing a total of 20, 947 people globally and 66 people in  Africa as at March 26, 2020.

“We Will Provide N5 billion(U$14 million) To COVID-19 Relief Support Across Africa To catalyze a comprehensive pan-African response to the fight against the #Coronavirus pandemic, through the @UBAFoundation”, the bank said. The donation will go to Nigeria and 19 other countries where UBA is present.

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In a statement released by UBA, the bank is donating N1.5 billion for all African countries where UBA is present, N1 billion to Lagos, N500 million to Abuja, N1 billion to the remaining 35 states in Nigeria and N1 billion for medical centres with equipment and supplies.

In addition,  the bank is also  providing a free telemedicine platform, that is physician-led for direct access to medical advice to citizens, in compliance with social distancing requirements.

UBA Group Chairman, Chief Tony Elumelu, who made the announcement said, This is a time when we must all play our part. This global pandemic must bring citizens, governments and business leaders  together – and quickly. As we see a rapidly increasing number of cases of Coronavirus in Nigeria and Africa, the private sector has to work hand in hand with the various governments in stemming the spread of the global pandemic.

While commending governments, he said UBA is keen to partner and contribute its resources to the collective effort that will ensure that the response to the pandemic is swift and effective.

UBA operates in 20 African countries and globally in the United Kingdom, United States and France. The bank has a strong record of supporting communities in challenging times.