In recognition of the stringent effort and measures so far taken by the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration to ensure that Abia State is secured against the globally ravaging corona virus (COVID 19), the United Bank of Africa (UBA) Foundation has donated N28.5m (Twenty-Eight Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira) to the state.
Though Abia is among states within the federation that has no record case of COVID 19, the UBA Foundation in a letter addressed to Ikpeazu by the MD/CEO of the foundation, Bola Atta, recalled that the virus presents a serious risk to humanity across the world.
Presenting the Cheque on behalf of the foundation, Mr. Raymond Ahumuibe, the Regional Head of UBA in charge of Imo and Abia States, said. “We at the UBA Foundation would like to lend our support in fighting the spread of this global pandemic.
“On behalf of the UBA Foundation, I would like to reaffirm to you and the great people of Abia State that the United Bank for Africa is committed to partnering and contributing our resources to the collective effort that will ensure the response to the pandemic is swift and effective.
“To this end, I am pleased to present the sum of N28.5m (Twenty-Eight Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira) to help with medical supplies, treatment and other essentials needed to combat the deadly virus”.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of Abia State Government, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chris Ezem, thanked the foundation for their support.
He reiterated that, though there is no case of the virus in Abia, Ikpeazu has instructed that everything necessary, including setting up a COVID-19 committee in the state is to ensure that the virus is prevented in the state.
“On behalf of the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Government and the good people of Abia State, I appreciate the UBA Foundation for this support.
“Though we don’t have any case of the virus in Abia, the Governor has directed stringent measures to be taken to ensure our people are secured. We have COVID-19 committee in state. We have been engaging in public enlightenment to educate and inform our people about the virus and measures they must take to secure themselves and others.
“We have also ordered closure of our boarders to restrict movement of people into the state. We have also announced a one lockdown in the stage with effect from tomorrow April 1.
“It is our prayer that we will overcome this time.” Ezem said.
Mr Okechukwu Irokwe, the Umuahia branch Manager of UBA and the Dr Joe Osuji, the Commissioner for Health, Abia State were present during the event in Government House Umuahia.
