Nigerian Breweries Plc has made a donation of N20m (Twenty Million Naira Only) and other relief materials as support to the Abia State Government in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

The donation was received by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the COVID-19 Inter-Ministerial Committee, Bar. Chris Ezem, on behalf of the government.

Tunde Ejemode, leader of the Nigerian Breweries Plc team while making the presentation said the money and other relief materials which include personal protective equipment, face masks and sanitizers are to help frontline workers in the State in the discharge of their duties in the face of the pandemic ravaging the world.

He said having been in Abia since 1957, it is imperative for NB Plc to give back to the society especially in such a critical time as this and urged Abians to continue to abide by the COVID-19 rules as issued by NCDC and the state government especially as it concerns the wearing of face masks and frequent washing of hands with soap and running water or use of alcohol based sanitizers to clean the hands.

Barr. Chris Ezem who was visibly elated by the donations appreciated Nigerian Breweries Plc for their kind gesture, noting that the gesture would go a long way in supporting Government’s efforts at ensuring that the most vulnerable are taken care of especially at this time.

According to him “What you have done will enrich our basket in terms of provision of palliatives to people across the state. We will ensure that it is evenly distributed to those who need it”.

He thanked them for their sense of brotherhood in this precarious time and assured of state government’s continued efforts at ensuring that the people got the needed help at this time.

In the same vein, members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Abia State Chapter, has made a donation of some hand sanitizers to the COVID-19 team in the state. This is in a bid to contribute their own quota to bringing an end to the pandemic in Abia.

Chairman of the Association, Christopher Egwom while making the donation said they decided to produce the sanitizers as licensed to support the team that has been working tirelessly to help keep Abians safe from the virus. He revealed that they have also made donations to NDLEA, and the Correctional Services.

Receiving the sanitizers, the SSG said he was touched by their spirit to support and be part of the fight against the pandemic and challenged them to rise up to the responsibility of finding a vaccine that will fight the virus.

He called for an improved knowledge in the area of research and synergy with researchers at different levels, noting that until the vaccine is found, the society might remain locked.

The SSG however, expressed belief that Nigerian pharmacists have what it takes to find a solution to the pandemic. He said face masks will soon become a fashion trend and called on everyone to be an Ambassador against COVID-19 to save the society from imminent collapse.