The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is real in Nigeria with nearly 100 confirmed cases recorded so far in the country. But government, banks and private sector leaders are taking steps to curb the spread of the virus and reduce impact of the pandemic on the people.
The Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on behalf of the Bankers’ Committee and in partnership with the private sector will be raising funds needed to fight the scourge. Many banks and real sector operators have also risen to the challenge by making cash donations, providing e-learning centers, making loans available to healthcare providers and feeding low-income earners within the populace.
Fighting and defeating Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Nigeria requires more than government efforts alone.
Private sectors, especially banks and real sector operators support is paramount.
That explains why the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last week inaugurated the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition against COVID-19 meant to receive funds from banks and real sector operators to be fight the pandemic.
CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele who broke the news in Lagos, also announced members of the Funding Committee who are expected to, through their organizations, contribute to the designated account opened at the CBN.
The fund from the coalition is expected to be raised within the next two weeks and deployed to procuring equipment and materials needed to combat the menace of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
Guaranty Trust Bank and Access Bank have donated to the project N1 billion each. GTBank has aside the donation, officially presented a 100-bed space Intensive Care Centre for Covid-19 patients at Onikan in Lagos for Nigerians that may be infected by the disease. Access Bank has also promised to set up 1,000 bed spaces too.
First Bank of Nigeria Limited has also responded to the CBN call for contribution. The bank has donated N1 billion to the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 project. Beyond the bed spaces, FirstBank has focused on education and contributed to the empowering children and the youth.
The commercial banks generally are asking their customers to use alternate e-payment channels to ensure their safety as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the country.
The lenders are also taking measures to ensure their staff members, customers and stakeholders are protected against the pandemic gradually spreading in the country.
To ensure the continuity of businesses and economic activities with minimal effect from the pandemic, banks have ensured that everyone visiting any of its branches takes a temperature test, makes use of hand sanitisers and maintains social distance.
Many lenders also reduced the number of staff on duty and encouraged customers to use digital channels, like Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and mobile payments.
Other real sector operators like Honeywell Flour Mills have also moved to provide their support.
On the need for accountability with secured funds, Emefiele disclosed that at the end of the project, a reputable form of Accountants will be used to render full account of how the funds were utilized as well as account for the materials donated.
There is need for telecom operators to support the COVID-19 project and the e-learning plan by donating data to make learning easy and seamless for the benefiting children. Also, real sector operators and manufacturers need to also support by donating their products to help the most vulnerable in the society at this trying time. Sent from my iPhone
Ayra Starr’s Mother Sparks Buzz with Confession About Her Mystery Crush
The mother of Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Ayra Starr has sent social media into a frenzy with a playful revelation about having a crush on someone who, humorously, calls her “mummy.” In a video that quickly went viral, she expressed her excitement about the possibility of meeting her crush at Ayra Starr’s upcoming show on Christmas Day.
Captioning the video, Ayra Starr’s mother wrote: “Wahala, my crush is calling me mummy. Anyways, we will meet at Ayra’s show on the 25th.” Her candid and lighthearted confession immediately captivated fans, sparking a wave of speculation about the identity of her mystery crush.
Many have taken to social media to guess the individual who has captured Ayra Starr’s mother’s affections. A popular theory among fans is that the crush might be none other than Don Jazzy, the renowned Nigerian music mogul and the boss of Ayra Starr’s record label, Mavin Records. However, Ayra’s mother kept the identity of her crush under wraps, leaving fans to wonder and eagerly anticipate any clues that might surface.
As the excitement for Ayra Starr’s Christmas Day show builds, fans are eagerly awaiting the event, with many now watching closely to see if Ayra’s mother’s cheeky prediction about meeting her crush will indeed come true.
Stay tuned for updates and watch the video below as the mystery continues to unfold!
Self-Anointed Financial Guru, Geh Geh, Celebrates the Launch of His Luxury Hotel
Popular financial influencer and self-proclaimed guru, Geh Geh, has officially opened the doors to his new hotel, marking another milestone in his ever-evolving career. The hotel, a modern and tastefully furnished establishment, was unveiled on December 22nd amidst a wave of excitement from his followers and supporters.
Taking to his X page a few days prior to the launch, Geh Geh teased his fans with the announcement, hinting at the grand opening. True to his word, the influencer shared clips from the event, including a moment where his pastor prayed over the establishment during its official dedication.
The event was attended by friends, family, and well-wishers, who gathered to celebrate his achievement. Online reactions, however, have been a mix of admiration, skepticism, and humor as netizens took to social media to share their thoughts on Geh Geh’s latest accomplishment.
Social Media Reactions
The news of Geh Geh’s hotel opening has sparked lively conversations across social platforms. Some users congratulated him on his success, while others questioned the legitimacy of his wealth and mocked the idea of a pastor blessing a hotel.
@BIG🌍 AP❣️: “Finally, Geh Geh don get the congratulations 🎉 way him dey find since lol 🤣🤣 Congratulations 🎉 Opueh Presido.”
@ucheuch2 MMM: “Geh Geh no get hotel.”
@Quency baby 🫂🥹: “Dem open hotel, pastor dey pray 🤦♀️.”
@Elbulletin: “So this guy gets money?”
@Boy alone💜🧎♂️🧎♂️☹️: “Omo, wait oh, na Geh Geh really get am? Omo, if na him, I go start worship Geh Geh online oh 😞.”
@Babatunde Phillip: “Imagine a pastor attending the opening ceremony of a hotel where Geh Geh said girls go cryyyy.”
@user97174499693224: “So pastor dey pray for hotel opening 😂😂😂.”
@ABIODUN__🌴💙🚬: “I dey cryyyyyyy now, if to say I know, I for worship Geh Geh online 😭😂.”
While the reactions may vary, one thing is clear: Geh Geh knows how to command attention. As he steps into the hospitality business, all eyes will be on him to see if the financial guru can translate his influence into success in this new venture.
Ukrainian boxing sensation Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight championship titles and cemented his place in boxing history with a unanimous decision victory over Britain’s Tyson Fury in their rematch on Saturday night.
The judges scored the bout 116-112 in Usyk’s favor across the board, marking his second consecutive win over Fury. This victory extended Usyk’s flawless professional record to 23-0, with 14 knockouts, adding another chapter to a career already highlighted by Olympic gold and an undisputed cruiserweight championship.
A Masterclass Performance
Usyk, 37, showcased his signature precision and relentless pace, repeatedly catching Fury with clean left hooks and dominating the latter stages of the fight. Fury, at 6ft 9in (206cm) and weighing a career-high 281 pounds, attempted to impose his physicality but was unable to break Usyk’s composure.
The fight, held in Saudi Arabia, saw Usyk wearing traditional Cossack attire during his entrance, while Fury entered the arena dressed in a festive Santa-inspired robe to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”
The early rounds were competitive, with Fury landing powerful jabs and body shots. However, Usyk’s endurance and tactical brilliance began to shine in the middle rounds. The Ukrainian landed sharp combinations and dictated the tempo, including a stunning uppercut in the final round that left little doubt about the outcome.
“I thought I’ve won both fights,” Fury said post-match, sporting a bruised right eye. “But I’ll always believe until the day I die that I won that fight.”
A Legacy Sealed
Usyk’s victory solidified his standing as one of the greatest heavyweights in history. Already the first undisputed heavyweight of the four-belt era, Usyk joins the ranks of legends like Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson.
The bout, reported to have a prize purse of $190 million, also underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports. Usyk, who served briefly as a soldier during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, celebrated his victory by hoisting a symbolic sabre belonging to Ukrainian nationalist hero Ivan Mazepa.
Fury’s Uncertain Future
The defeat leaves Fury’s future in doubt. Once unbeaten across 35 fights, Fury now stands at 34-2-1. His attempt to reclaim glory after a brief retirement in 2022 has been marred by back-to-back losses to Usyk.
Usyk, on the other hand, continues to add to his already remarkable resume, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of his technical skill, resilience, and determination. As the heavyweight division looks ahead, Usyk’s reign appears unshakable, and his place among boxing’s all-time greats is firmly secured.