By Eugene Onyeji
The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Thursday announced a commitment of N100 million to support the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, as it braces for the impact of the pandemic.
The CMSCC, which is a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) led committee and comprises of the capital market community, was set up to galvanise the capital market ecosystem to play an active role in curbing the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
The “Masks For All Nigerians” campaign will see the NSE donate over 100,000 reusable face masks to states most affected by COVID-19.
In addition, The Exchange will run an enlightenment program on the safe use of masks on traditional and social media.
Nigeria has recorded 3,145 COVID-19 cases and 103 deaths.
There are fears the spread could grow exponentially if community transmissions are not curtailed due to poor health facilities in the country.
As at press time, about 22,492 people have been tested and the government is still tracing some persons that made contact with patients.
Speaking on the initiative, NSE Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, said, “At the Exchange, we recognise the health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigerians and the need to adopt more proactive steps in stemming the tide.
“In line with our tradition of supporting the communities where we operate, we have launched the Masks For All Nigerians campaign to ensure that protective masks get into the hands of citizens in the more vulnerable places.”
