First Bank activates COVID-19 precaution plan after death of Kano staff

FirstBank Nigeria Plc says it has activated its COVID-19 precaution response plan after the death of Abdullahi Lawal, a staff who worked at its Kano main branch.

In a statement released on Saturday to mourn the deceased, Folake Ani-Mumuney, group head, marketing and corporate communications, had asked that the family be allowed to grieve privately.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time as we do all that is necessary to support them. We ask that all necessary courtesies be extended to the family so they can grieve privately,” the bank said in a statement on Saturday.

Referencing its efforts in contributing to the fight against COVID-19 in the country, the bank said it has shut the branch where the deceased worked.

Colleagues and customers who had been in contact with Lawal were also advised to self-isolate following guidelines provided by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

“As a responsible corporate organization, FirstBank has been at the forefront of the concerted efforts against the coronavirus pandemic alongside others,” it said.

“We have robust protocols in place including practising social distancing, frequently disinfecting our buildings and locations even whilst ensuring services are available through our alternative channels such as our ATMs and other digital platforms.

“We have immediately, therefore, shut down access to the premises as we disinfect the entire location and ask all staff and customers who may have been in contact with our late colleague to follow the NCDC guidelines and self-isolate.

“We will, as a matter of course, extend all possible support to staff and customers at this difficult time.”

The bank also assured that it would remain committed to the health and safety of staff, customers and host communities to ensure that the fight against the coronavirus is won.