The idea of Corporate Social Responsibility must have been born from the need to impact directly on the general populace, organisational affiliation regardless, but one might not have to look too hard through many Nigerian organisations to see that what they have is a mirage – it can’t be felt, it can’t be held and when you attempt to look closer it’s nothing!
I remember a big outfit I went to and I was told they only sponsor handicapped pinball, for people below 15; how “thoughtful”!
You’re not creating or sponsoring a league and you’re not building academies, it would also have been splendid if there were training sessions for officials in the federation but nothing like that.
Clearly, that responsibility will never be executed while a large number of companies will keep hiding under more tailored responsibilities to do nothing.
There is another organisation with a social responsibility to assist young persons who have ideas on maritime/coastal cleanliness; now this sounds very caring and one might be tempted to applaud the idea of taking care of the environment but a closer look will reveal that actually nothing will be done because young persons will never meet the first requirements in that sector.
Now just as there are organisations that are seemingly insincere with their intentions there are a few that live up to the word “responsibility”, top on that list is Zenith bank, in approach, action and attitude.
First the idea of supporting women basketball up to being the league sponsor is undoubtedly a most noble one and the sincerity is highly commendable. It commands huge respect when a company decides to be socially responsible in such a great manner as financial implication is just as heavy as the word.
With this development, it is very clear what Zenith bank is up to; assisting strongly in Nigeria’s quest for national integration, aiding social development and ensuring that Nigerian women can keep flying and aiming higher in the game of basketball.
From picking a kind of responsibility that runs week in-week out, to a non-hypocritical approach and then sustaining the tempo, it is safe to say that the bank has the most enviable package in social responsibility as regards sports and social/mental development.
In all these, one can take a quick guess per the financial implication of such social responsibility and try to find any other bank that does this. This particular bank definitely has everybody in mind and understands the real definition of social contribution which others should emulate.
It’s really impressive what Zenith is doing with going as far as recognising and training basketball handlers so that the game can have better professionals and increased international presence.
Now i’m tempted to dig deeper and I promise to return with anything I find…for now Zenith leads the way!
Douglas Joe writes from Lagos
BIG STORY
Christmas Celebrations: Police Arrest 23 Suspected Armed Robbers, Hoodlums, Kidnapper, Recover Dangerous Weapons [PHOTOS]
- As IGP Commends Officers For Vigilance, Commitment To Safety
In furtherance of the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., to commands and formations to emplace unalloyed anti crime strategies towards ensuring adequate safety and security during this festive period, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force across several states in the country have successfully apprehended multiple groups of armed robbers, cultists and hoodlums targeting fun seekers and engaging in gangsterism during Christmas celebrations.
On the 25th of December 2024, at about 1am, the police operatives attached to Lagos State Command, received a distress call that a group of hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons was operating around the Safejo area of Amukoko, Lagos State. The swift response by the police operatives to the scene led to the arrest of 3 of the suspected hoodlums identified as Emmanuel Okoli ‘m’, 20 years, Ogunde Tejiri ‘m’, 20 years, and Emmanuel Orji ‘m’, 18 years, and also the recovery of the weapons they had used in carrying out robbery attacks on innocent funseekers in the area. The police have emplaced intensified searches to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
In a similar development, Police Operatives attached to Saminaka Division of the Kaduna State Command on 25th December 2024, at about 8pm, successfully apprehended one Sule Muhammad ‘m’, 25 years, who has been actively involved in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Saminaka area. Further investigation led to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle from the suspect. The suspect confessed to being a member of a notorious kidnapping gang who had been evading arrest since the arrest of other gang members on August 16, 2024, until his recent arrest on 25th December 2024. Following cooperation received from Muhammad, efforts are in top gear to apprehend other members of his gang and recover more arms and ammunition in their identified camp. Commendable efforts of the Nigeria Police Operatives have also been witnessed in states including Delta, Ogun Katsina, Benue, FCT and Imo, leading to the arrests of several suspects in various locations during the Christmas celebration period.
The IGP has commended the officers involved in these operations for their vigilance and commitment to public safety, highlighting their display of exemplary dedication in safeguarding our communities, especially during this joyful season. The IGP urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The IGP further assures citizens that the Force is fully committed to creating a safe environment for everyone as they partake in the joy and cheer of the holiday season. As the celebrations continue, the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect all citizens and ensure that the spirit of festivities during this period remains unmarred by criminal activities.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
27TH DECEMBER 2024.
-
BIG STORY3 days agoDeji Ogunsakin Launches The Better Life Foundation, Donates Food And Cash Gifts To Widows In Ado-Ekiti
-
BIG STORY3 days agoJUST IN: Oriyomi Hamzat, Queen Naomi, School Principal Remanded In Agodi Prison Over Ibadan Stampede
-
BIG STORY4 days agoTinubu To Hold First Presidential Media Chat Tonight
-
BIG STORY3 days agoTax Reforms Here To Stay, But I Don’t Mind Making Concessions — President Tinubu
-
BIG STORY4 days agoFederal Government Declares Public Holiday For Christmas, New Year Celebrations
-
BIG STORY3 days agoNo Regrets Removing Subsidy, Tax Reform Will Go Ahead — President Tinubu
-
BIG STORY1 day agoAdron Homes Celebrates Christmas With Customers, Reaffirms Commitment To Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit
-
BIG STORY5 days agoPetrol To Sell At N935 Per Litre From Today — IPMAN