First Bank of Nigeria Limited has confirmed the loss of its employee, Abdullahi Lawal, to COVID-19 in Kano, perhaps validating the story of a 70-year-old grandmother.
Mrs Salma Ahmed had raised an alarm over the controversial circumstances that led to Lawal’s demise, alleging negligence on the part of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Kano State Government.
She feared that the same fate may befall her daughter, Lawal’s widow and her grandchildren.
Mr Lawal, until his passing, worked at FirstBank’s Kano Main Branch.
However, in a statement on Saturday by the bank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said the branch has been closed for disinfection.
It also stated that all staff and customers who may have been in contact with the late banker should follow the guidelines of the NCDC and self-isolate.
“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.
“As a responsible corporate organisation, FirstBank has been at the fore-front of the concerted efforts against the coronavirus pandemic alongside others.
“We have robust protocols in place including practicing 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.
“Our thoughts are with the family he left behind and indeed with the wider FirstBank family who mourn this loss deeply at this time.”
The bank assured that it remains committed to protecting the health and safety of all staff, customers and host communities.
God bless Mrs Salma Ahmed! Kano State government is out to kill so many with their cover ups. You can imagine the build up of the contacts with the late banker!