CSR must align with people’s needs for meaningful development — Ogun deputy gov

The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has stated that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is about investing in communities, protecting the environment, empowering the underprivileged, and ensuring that businesses contribute positively to the society in which they operate.

She further noted that CSR must align with the needs of the people, which would automatically have a direct impact on their daily lives.

Salako-Oyedele made this statement at the 1st Ogun State PR Forum/CSR Exhibition and Awards, held on Thursday in Abeokuta.

The Deputy Governor, represented by the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Investment and Director-General of the Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency, Ms Sola Arobieke, said a powerful synergy is created when CSR is strategically aligned with government policies and development goals.

Salako-Oyedele remarked that the theme of the programme, “CSR: The Nexus Between Public, Private Partnership and the Diplomatic Corps for Sustainable Social Investment”, is one of the steps in tackling and navigating the challenges of social development in Nigeria.

“CSR is about businesses recognising their roles in society beyond profit-making. It is about investing in communities, protecting the environment, empowering the underprivileged, and ensuring that businesses contribute positively to the society in which they operate.

“When CSR is strategically aligned with government policies and development goals, we create a powerful synergy that accelerates progress in education, healthcare, gender equality, and infrastructural development.

“As a government, we recognise the transformative power of CSR and have consistently encouraged strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors.

“Corporate organisations must therefore continue to engage with stakeholders transparently and ensure that their CSR aligns with the real needs of the people,” the Deputy Governor added.

She commended the CEO of AS+A Communications Limited, Mrs Adenike Shobajo, for establishing a platform where those promoting sustainable development in the country through CSR could be celebrated.

In her remarks, Shobajo said that the forum was established two and a half decades ago to honour individuals, corporate organisations, and government functionaries who have been using the platform of CSR to advance the nation’s development.

She explained that the forum was formed to encourage well-to-do Nigerians who are indifferent to the plight of the needy to see reason and lend a helping hand to those in need.

Speaking as the Chairman of the occasion, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, represented by Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the private and public sectors to advance the country’s sustainable development in all sectors.

Dr Neliaku added that there is, however, a need to interrogate old ways of doing things, set a new template, and establish a renewed resolve for public-private partnerships that positively impact the people.

He appreciated Mrs Shobajo for recognising and honouring corporate organisations that are using their resources to improve the lives of citizens. He urged the awardees to remain committed to initiatives geared towards uplifting the country and putting smiles on the faces of the people.

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