By Tenebe Anthonia
Over 3,000 face masks have been donated to transport workers, teachers and artisans in Lagos State by members of staff of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
The items were given out by the employees of the exchange to raise awareness and support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the state and the country at large.
It was gathered that the donation was made as part of the NSE Employee Giveback and Volunteering Programme which was instituted to encourage employees to make a positive impact in their communities whilst providing them with hands-on experience and the learning opportunities about the issues that plague the society.
“Our goal is to positively impact the lives of those within our communities whilst promoting responsible corporate citizenship within our organisation and the capital market ecosystem.
“We have identified individuals who due to the nature of their business or their daily interaction with others will require the use of face masks to protect themselves.
“Looking ahead, the exchange remains committed to making a difference by not only providing face masks to Nigerians but also educating the public on how to stay safe during this crisis,” the Head of Corporate Communications at the NSE, Mr Olumide Orojimi, stated.
It would be recalled that the NSE announced its commitment of N100 million to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria in May 2020.
Out of the amount, N60 million was donated to the Capital Market Support Committee for COVID-19 (CMSCC) led by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through an ambulance and cash donation; while the balance N40 million was devoted to the Masks For All Nigerians campaign.
Under this campaign, the local bourse has donated over 100,000 face masks across several states in Nigeria and implemented an enlightenment program on the safe use of masks on traditional and social media.
Furthermore, the exchange has galvanised support from private sector players which has led to the donation of a total of 608,990 face masks to beneficiaries all over the country.
Other contributors include OPay, Babalakin & Co Legal Practitioners, AIICO Insurance, Lafarge Africa, Alpha Mead Group, UACN Plc, SEC, Red Star Express, WCM Capital, and BUA Group.
