Caleb Ifeanyi Onah, PBA Journalism Mentee
The National Bank of Malawi (NBM) has received tons of backlash for donating $38,984.67 which equals to K40 million Malawian Kwacha to Epic Life Style, an entertainment company, to sponsor a music concert by the Nigerian crooner, Kizz Daniel.
According to report in Malawi 24 news website, the music concert is scheduled for August 27, 2022 at the Malawian Lilongwe Golf Club is to be attended by the Nigerian ‘Buga ’ crooner Kizz Daniel.
NBM’s action created a mixed atmosphere of both nah and yeah from Malawian netizens as some supported and justified the actions of the NBM, as a financial tactics, while some reacted to the bank’s action with harsh comments terming it a misplacement of priority.
They argued that the money should have been put into use in solving critical humanitarian issues in Malawi, like the internally displaced persons, helpless children and university students struggling with fees and related challenges. They also, challenged the bank to key into more realistic adventures.
An unidentified Malawian netizen who is against the NBM sponsorship, wrote in his Facebook page “Unheard of: K40 million to support Buga dance instead of supporting things that make sense. Ask FDH as to how they spend CSR money and how they run their PR. This one is publicity gone wrong. Really, National Bank of Malawi we have children sleeping without blankets in this cold and you surely get K40 million just because one of your bosses loves this Buga dance. Shame on you.”
Another displeased Malawian netizen said: “I Bank with NB and surely you have disrespected your customers, you can’t support Buga dance instead of paying school fees for the needy students in our colleges or at least building a school block or buying text books for our community/ public libraries across.”
Enala Chirwa the NBM Mobile and e-Money services manager while addressing the issue said they decided to partner with Epic Group as the event will give them an opportunity to interact with their customers.
“The partnership between the Bank and the Epic will see the organisers of the concert selling entry tickets through NBM digital platforms,” Chirwa said.
However, a netizen in support of the gesture said “National Bank of Malawi is a business – (contrary to popular belief) they’re not obligated to put their money anywhere. They’re not throwing money away, this is an investment. Besides, they support so many charities and are one of the biggest spenders in as far as donating toward humanitarian needs is concerned,”.
