Dangote, Wigwe launch ‘Coalition Against Coronavirus’

Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group, and Herbert Wigwe, managing director, Access Bank Group, are spearheading a coalition of private sector organisations to support the government’s efforts at tackling coronavirus.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday. The gesture, according to the statement, is in addition to the N200 million earlier pledged by the Aliko Dangote Foundation to help to curb the spread of the virus.

The initiative, called the Coalition Against Coronavirus (COCAVID), will involve erection of fully-equipped medical tents to house patients and serve as training, testing, isolation and treatment centres.

It will also see to the creation of an additional facility in Victoria Island, Lagos.

“COCAVID, led by Dangote Industries Ltd. and Access Bank Group in collaboration with Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, MTN, ITB and others, is tasked with mobilising the private sector through leadership and resources in creating public awareness, and directing support for private and public healthcare institutions,” the statement read.

Commenting on the initiative, Dangote said his foundation was pulling resources across industries to provide technical and operational support while providing funding and building advocacy through aggressive awareness drives.

“The coalition is working with Lagos State Government to erect fully-equipped medical tents that will serve as training, testing, isolation and treatment centres,” Dangote said.

“We are also providing an additional facility on Victoria Island, Lagos. In addition, we will be bringing in experts from around the world to provide technical and training support.

“COVID-19 affects us all and threatens our collective health – economic, social, psychological and physical wellbeing; hence, the urgent need to work together to beat this common enemy.

“The task ahead is daunting and bigger than any one organisation. To win this battle, it is critical we all come together as one.”

He further disclosed that work had begun  to ensure the facilities were completed in good time to serve the growing need of the population.

He also sought government’s support to have private laboratories test alongside government centres to reduce the waiting period for suspected COVID-19 cases.

“There are currently five government laboratories equipped to handle all the testing in Nigeria,” he said.

“However, we have many more quality ones that can do it, but are not yet approved by government to do so.”