COVID 19: HOW RIBY IS SUPPORTING ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES

Its no news that the Corona Virus pandemic is causing a serious meltdown on world economies. As of 15th April 2020, the COVID-19 cases worldwide have exceeded 2 million cases. In Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari extended the restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for another 14 days effective from 11:59 pm on Monday, 13th of April, 2020 to help limit the spread of the Corona Virus.

What’s the implication of the ‘lockdown’ on small business owners and economically disadvantaged communities and families in this period?

A significant percentage of businesses in Lagos, Ogun and FCT are small business owners who majorly live or sustain themselves and families on a daily income. The restriction of movement in these states has drastically put these communities and families in a worse economic situation whereby they can’t afford basic supplies such as food and water.

In a bid to support families and cushion the effect of the lockdown on the small business owners and communities in this global pandemic period, Riby profiled economically disadvantaged families in the Makoko community of Lagos state from our pre-existing data from the community. We donated several food items to these families.

Alongside being a corporate social responsibility of the Riby, we also met with Baale of the Makoko community and sensitized the families in the community on how to be socially responsible and ways to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus through WHO recommend measures.

Riby also believes that this a collective fight and we are playing our part in supporting the governments of the affected states in reducing the effects of the lockdown.

We also plan on extending the donations of food items and health sensitization to other families and communities that have been affected by the lockdown.

With a grateful heart, we commend all health workers across the country who are selflessly treating patients and disinfecting markets, buildings and other public places nationwide. They are the frontliners in a war against the threat to humanity and we salute their devotion.

Remember to stay indoors, keep that social distance and wash your hands. Together we will prevail as long as we are socially responsible.