Business a.m.
Access Holdings Plc, a leading African financial group, has showcased its dedication to community support, following a donation of over N1 billion to aid relief and recovery efforts in Maiduguri, with the donation channeled through its banking arm – Access Bank Plc.
Access Holdings’ contribution was officially unveiled during a visit to the Borno State Government House in Maiduguri by a delegation led by Bolaji Agbede, the acting group chief executive officer of the group.
In the wake of the catastrophic floods that have taken a devastating toll on the region, Access Holdings has stepped forward to provide both immediate and long-term relief to those affected.
The group stated that its donation of over N1 billion will be split into two parts: N500 million in cash to support the state government’s emergency response efforts, and another N500 million allocated towards the restoration of critical infrastructure damaged by the floods. In addition, essential food supplies will be distributed to ensure that those most vulnerable receive the care and assistance they need during this challenging time.
Speaking at the meeting, Bolaji Agbede, acting group chief executive officer of Access Holdings Plc, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting the people of Borno, restating a pledge to impact lives of communities where the institution operates.
“At Access Holdings, we believe in positively impacting the communities we serve, not only as a financial institution, but as a family that cares deeply for its people. We recognise the resilience of the people of Borno, and we are committed to providing the support necessary to overcome this difficult time.
“This donation is not merely about the funding; it is about offering immediate succour to families and individuals, who have been affected, while also contributing to local economic resurgence and long-term resilience through the restoration of essential infrastructure,” Agbede said.
Governor Babagana Zulum, who graciously received the Access Holdings delegation, expressed appreciation for the donation and the company’s swift response to the crisis.
“We are moved by the generosity and commitment shown by Access Holdings and Access Bank during this critical time. This donation of N1 billion is appreciated during this challenging time and will be judiciously utilised to impact the lives of all those who have been affected by the incident.
“The restoration of our hospitals and essential services will strengthen our resilience, while the food relief will provide immediate comfort to families and individuals in distress. Truly, this support speaks to the importance of cooperation between the government, and the private sector in improving the lives of our local communities,” Zulum said.
Access Holdings’ contribution to the relief efforts marks a pivotal moment in the response to the tragic floods in Borno, with the group emerging as the first mainstream financial institution to provide support to the affected communities.
With over one million people impacted by the disaster, leaving countless neighborhoods underwater and tens of thousands of residents displaced, Access Holdings’ donation is expected to provide much-needed relief and assistance to the region as it recovers from this devastating natural catastrophe.
The group reaffirmed its dedication to working collaboratively with the Borno State Government, aid organisations, and other key stakeholders to ensure that relief efforts are effective and efficient in reaching the most vulnerable members of the community, while also providing support for the long-term recovery and reconstruction of the state in the aftermath of the devastating floods.
