COVID-19 outbreak is predicted to have significant impacts on various segments of the society, especially the economy and operations of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The populations most at risk are those that depend heavily on the informal economy, have inadequate access to social services and have limited opportunities to cope.
The business community and persons of means need to support vulnerable populations in an emergency period like this.
In the face of the well-advised government lockdown which has necessitated businesses to close to help prevent transmission of COVID-19, there are also financial concerns and job losses with its attendant human impacts.
Not knowing how this pandemic will play out also affects our economic, physical and mental well-being. Despite the fear of not knowing how this pandemic will play out, businesses and communities across the country have shown remarkable compassionate responses in the face of this crisis.
It may be difficult to immediately estimate the significant economic impact of the coronavirus on segments of the society across the country but the closure of businesses across all sectors heavily impact SMEs which in turn, affects many people, especially the least earning segments and those working in informal sectors.
Besides, the federal government and various state governments have announced, and are implementing palliative measures to support the vulnerable segments of the populace, insisting that it is therefore important for businesses to continue to show solidarity and work together to protect staff, local communities and customers.
Actions and messages about what businesses are doing for their employees and in their communities are equally important. There is a World Health Organisation (WHO) advisory for the business community to move from general support to specific actions.
Given that we are all in this together, our organization is also standing together with the government to ensure that we will leave no-one behind.
As a diversified Property Development Company, with foot-prints across the country, we have built a reputation for quality homes and have a unique corporate culture which reinforces our continued passion to offering superior service to our customers.
Our foundational principle is premised on the essentials for living a fulfilled life – better living; more wealth; and a secure future.
But we also recognize that true wealth lies not in the pocket but in the heart, which explains why we have consistently been part of our communities, being our neighbours’ keeper.
The company has activated its robust contribution and response to provide the much-needed support to over 1000 families in communities where some of its estates are located in parts of Lagos State, by supplying them essential food materials.
At an average of four persons per household, we are actually supporting and touching the lives of over 4000 persons across the communities in this our modest intervention. So, whatever it will take for us, within our means, to touch lives at this period, we shall do.
No gain saying that many Nigerians are hungry, and hopeless. There is a strong feeling of abandonment, and frustration, driving some into anti-social and criminal activities.
The unusual times therefore provide an opportunity to give succour to the masses in our communities and create connect as a neighbour.
By coming together as a people to play our parts, especially as we continue to see increasing number of reported corona virus cases across the land, our positive actions will in no small measure help to stem the spread of this pandemic.
But our collective responsibility to ourselves and to one another does not end with the support to the needy. We have come to accept that the pandemic has also affected the way we live our lives.
We therefore encourage all of us to continuously adhere to the safety precautions and restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the virus.
As we re-commit to our vision of being continually connected with our host communities, while striving to bridge the housing deficit gap in the country, we also urge all to take responsibility: stay at home, regularly wash your hands with soap, observe social distancing, use a sanitizer, and a face mask.
Assist your neighbours in every way possible. If we all play our parts, we can assist Government and socially responsible companies such as ours to stop the spread of COVID – 19.
Source: thenationonlineng