By Adedapo Adesanya
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed that contributions made by the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) to tackle the coronavirus has crossed the N19 billion mark.
Total contribution has now reached 19.5 billion as N3.4 billion pledged by individuals and organisations were yet to be redeemed
Business Post had reported that the Fund, set up by the apex bank, was up to N15.3 billion, but over the weekend, Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr Isaac Okorafor, disclosed in a statement released over the weekend that the amount has risen to the present level.
He further said the list of contributors to the fund has also increased to 47 individuals and organisations.
The updated list showed that Mr Atiku Abubakar, Mr Ekeoma Ekeoma, Mr Ahmadu Mahmoud, Mrs Jennifer Ramatu Etuh Foundation, Takagro Chemicals Limited, ADG International Resources, and Prosharena Limited, were among the latest contributors.
CACOVID, as an initiative was established to mobilise the private sector leadership to use its resources to increase general public awareness, education, and and provide direct support to private and public healthcare so they can respond to the crisis as well as augment efforts by the federal government.
Mr Okorafor noted that the coalition thanked the donors for heeding such a call championed by the CBN and the private sector.
He then urged more Nigerians and corporate bodies to key into the coalition with a view to supporting the fight against the pandemic, stressing that Nigeria could overcome the scourge with support from all.
As at press time, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control indicates that there have been 224 confirmed cases, with 27 discharged while number of deceased persons was five.
