First Bank of Nigeria Limited has confirmed the loss of its employee, Abdullahi Lawal, to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), who worked at the bank’s Kano Main Branch until his death.
A statement by Folake Ani-Mumuney, FirstBank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, said the branch has been closed for disinfection.
It further explained that all staff and customers who may have been in contact with the late banker should follow the guidelines of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (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.”
Ani-Mumuney said that FirstBank remains committed to protecting the health and safety of all staff, customers and host communities.