TheCable

Fidelity Bank Plc has handed over a 50-bed capacity isolation centre at Ekwulobia General Hospital to the Anambra state government.

The bank said it donated the isolation centre to assist the Willie Obiano-led administration in the fight against COVID-19.

Speaking at the handover ceremony on Saturday, Henry Asiegbu, regional bank head, Awka, Fidelity Bank, said the gesture was part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility policy “anchored on a commitment to enhancing the lives and wellbeing communities where the bank operates”.

“ The government and people of Anambra State have been very supportive of Fidelity Bank. It was therefore expedient that we rose to the occasion to fund this centre for the benefit of the people of Ndi-Anambra and Nigerias,” Asiegbu said.

He said since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria, the bank has remained in the forefront of supporting governments’ response.

Asiegbu said monetary donations have been made to the governments of Plateau, Kebbi, Benue, Kano, amongst others.

“This is in spite of our contributions to the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID)” he said.

According to him corporate philanthropy and social giving is at the core of the bank’s philosophy and outlook because bank believes that organisations and the societies where they does business are in a symbiotic relationships.

Speaking at the occasion, the governor, who was represented by Nkem Okeke, his deputy, said though the number of COVID-19 cases in Anambra remained minimal, the facility was necessary to ensure the state’s readiness for any eventuality.

Okeke also thanked the bank for its “laudable contributions” to the growth and development of Anambra.

Vincent Okpala, commissioner for health, said the 50-bed capacity isolation center has the capacity to effectively cater to the needs of patients.

Okpala said the facility is equipped with oxygen concentrators, mobilisers and other machines that will help the fight against COVID-19.