TheCable

Abdul Samad Rabiu, the founder of BUA Group, has donated N3.3 billion to the fight against coronavirus through the BUA Foundation.

In a statement on Sunday, Rabiu said the donation would be in addition to the N1 billion initially donated through the private sector coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID).

He said the donation was necessary after an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.

“Based on what is going on especially in Kano at the moment, we have decided in the immediate to commit an N3.3 billion grant to a working group made of the Presidential taskforce, NCDC and other stakeholders and other stakeholders in equipping two existing permanent facilities in Kano and Lagos states — whilst collaborating with the teaching hospitals in those states,” the statement read.

“Giving a breakdown of the donation, Rabiu said: “Two grants of N2 billion for the Kano-based intervention and N1 billion for Lagos state being the two epicentres of this virus in Nigeria.

“A sum of N300 million will also be made available immediately in cash to the presidential task force to assist with logistical and operational activities of the task force. This grant is in addition to BUA’s earlier contributions to the private sector-led CA-COVID coalition and donation to other states.”

The facilities to be equipped would be determined by the working group.

Rabiu expressed hopes that the donation will “help to expand the scope of interventions, ongoing research as well as support already stretched medical facilities”.