The events of recent days and weeks have been a difficult period in our country’s history.
We have all been anxious, worried and pained at what we have seen in the media and what
we have heard from our customers, our colleagues and our loved ones.
As one of Nigeria’s largest businesses serving every part of our society, it is our responsibility
and duty to make a difference. Corporates cannot simply stand by and send messages of
solidarity and then go back to ‘business as usual’ without helping get their customers and
communities back on-track.
Supporting business, large and small, is in our DNA and in recent years we have seen
entrepreneurial spirit that filled us with hope and confidence in the future. Our young
technology entrepreneurs have been building businesses that are celebrated globally and
we have seen SMEs flourish and innovate across the country. There has been a set-back on
this journey and we feel the hurt of our nation. We are committed to restarting businesses
quickly but even more importantly to ensure we come out of this stronger and more
successful together.
Therefore, we are announcing that we have set aside a minimum of N50bn (through
interest-free loans and grants) to support the rebuilding of businesses and to bring
greater opportunities. This will be used to support:
• The communities we live in, the people who protect us and the spaces that we need
as communities to thrive.
• Our micro, small and medium sized businesses who employ most Nigerians and feed
and educate our children.
• Our young population who represent the future and hope for our nation.
We must heal our wounds and come out stronger so that we can occupy our true position in
the world and bring a better future for our children.
We will share more details in the coming days.
#all4one
