ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS RALLYING TO HELP DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A GLIMPSE OF THEIR IMPACT

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, affecting lives and economies around the world. In Nigeria, several organizations and individuals stepped up to the plate, demonstrating remarkable generosity and support for those in need. From significant financial contributions to the provision of essential supplies and services, their efforts have played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the pandemic. This article highlights some of the key organizations and individuals who have made a difference during these trying times.

NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC

Nigerian Breweries Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading brewing companies, made substantial contributions to aid the fight against COVID-19. The company donated N600 million to the Federal and State Governments. They contributed N250 million to the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CA-COVID), a special intervention fund managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and N250 million to seven State Governments’ Task Forces against COVID-19.
Nigerian Breweries also provided N100 million worth of relief materials, including vehicles for the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to facilitate contact tracing and movement of materials/personnel. They supplied personal protective equipment for nationwide distribution, such as face masks, gowns, and hand sanitizers. Additionally, they ensured the availability of malt, energy drinks, and soft drinks to various COVID-19 NCDC centres across the country.

CW REAL ESTATE

CW Real Estate, in collaboration with SCL Express, Gas Guys Ng, and CBL Investments, initiated a commendable effort to deliver food items to households and frontline workers in Agege. Through their partnership, they distributed 1000 boxes of food items, providing critical support to vulnerable communities during the pandemic. This collaborative endeavour demonstrated the power of collective action and community engagement in times of crisis.

MTN NIGERIA COMMUNICATIONS PLC

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc launched the “Y’ello Hope” initiative to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Investing approximately N25 billion, the company implemented various initiatives targeting MTN customers, frontline workers, communities, businesses, and government entities.

MTN Nigeria’s contributions included the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and medical supplies worth N503 million through the MTN Foundation. They facilitated over 1.7 million free money transfers via the MoMo Agent Network, empowering individuals with easy and safe access to financial services. MTN also played a crucial role by providing toll-free lines for high-risk patients’ consultations, and on-call doctors, and donating a 350kva generator to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s (NCDC) Abuja Isolation Center.

TONY ELUMELU

Renowned entrepreneur Tony Elumelu contributed 1 million to the Coalition Against COVID-19 relief fund. Additionally, United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), under the UBA Foundation, donated over 5 billion Naira to support Nigeria and 19 other African countries in their fight against COVID-19. The funds provided relief materials, critical care facilities, financial support to governments, and the establishment of medical centres with equipment and supplies.

ALIKO DANGOTE

Aliko Dangote, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, contributed 2 million to the Coalition Against COVID-19 relief fund. The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) further donated N1.5 billion to the ‘Nigeria/United Nations COVID-19 Basket Fund.’ The foundation’s generous contribution aimed to bolster the country’s efforts in combating the pandemic and providing vital support to those affected. Dangote’s philanthropic gesture highlighted the importance of private sector engagement in supporting national and global efforts to address the pandemic’s challenges.