Herbert Wigwe, a key member of the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID), and Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, has reaffirmed that the resources raised by the coalition will be used to fight Coronavirus and slow down its spread.
Wigwe stated this in a recent interview with Nancy Illoh, on AIT’s ‘Money Line’.
With commentators on social media asking questions if the funds contributed will be distributed to the poor masses to alleviate the harsh economic realities they may be facing at this time, Wigwe said that, “CACOVID’s first objective is to save lives and minimise fatalities as much as is humanly possible.”
He further said “We are not unaware of the impact the lockdown on people. Our first focus, however, will be to prevent a health crisis by providing the requisite facilities. When this is achieved, we will then channel resources towards catering for the needs of the people in underserved communities.”
Speaking on the Coalition’s efforts towards creating awareness in rural communities, Wigwe said that, “CACOVID has embarked on partnerships with key stakeholders to launch a ground-breaking sensitization exercise that will not only help save lives but also protect livelihoods. We believe that the only way to avoid a national health crisis is if people at the grassroots are not only aware of the existence of the virus and the dangers it poses to lives but also the symptoms to look out for and how to go about seeking help.”
“This is a peculiar time in the history of our country and the world, and the actions we take today will go a long way in determining our future and the future of generations to come. We crave the indulgence and cooperation of all Nigerians as we roll out activities to fight this virus. Working together, we will stay alive, ” he concluded.
Wigwe’s Access Bank is a member of CACOVID, which has thus far raised N25.8bn in donation and pledges.
