By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in collaboration with the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID), has set up medical facilities in the six Geo-political zones of the country to assist in combating the spread of the novel coronavirus presently ravaging the world.
CBN Director of Public Communications, Mr Isaac Okorafor made the disclosure in a statement he issued on behalf of the group in Abuja on Monday.
He said, “We are pleased to announce that work has begun in earnest to provide and equip medical facilities in the six geopolitical zones. This will involve the creation of testing, isolation and treatment centers, and include the provision of Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and molecular testing labs”.
According to him, “We have started with Lagos (1,000 beds), Kano (500 beds), Rivers (210 beds) Abuja (200 beds), Enugu (200 beds) and Borno (200 beds) and expect to be operational within 10 days.
“The next phase will see locations set up in Katsina, Ogun, Bayelsa, Anambra, Bauchi and Plateau to be ready within three weeks. The remaining states of the Federation will be set up in the last phase within the next five weeks.
Isaac Okorafor, Director of Corporate Communications, CBN
“Based on the population of Lagos, and the fact that it is the epicenter of this crisis, we will also be creating a permanent structure within the next 4 to 6 months.
“Teams have been set up and world-class standards are being employed to aggressively pursue a solution to this pandemic.
“This is a massive effort and all hands must be on deck, which is why at a time like this, it is critical we come together as one. Hence the need to channel all our efforts through the CACOVID umbrella”.
Okorafor also disclosed that the Coalition has set up an account for those who may wish to make a monetary contribution as follows:”
Currency, Account Name, Account Number, Correspondent Bank,
Nigerian Naira, COVID-19 Relief fund Account 1000014920
Central Bank of Nigeria, US Dollars CBN TSA USD, 0017575300, CitiBank UK”
He assured that the Coalition would provide a weekly update “to keep you apprised of how this life-saving initiative is being addressed and a monthly financial update to the contributors”.
“Please continue to follow the health and safety guidelines as mandated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Together we can. Together we will”, he added.
