First Bank itemizes sustainability efforts in corporate citizenship

FIRST Bank of Nigeria Limited has said that in a bid to define its approach to doing business responsibly as a corporate citizen, it has positively impacted the lives of key stakeholders and the society at large.

Listing specific areas of activity, the lender said it has made deliberate efforts to enable a truly rewarding career for its employees.

It has also acted responsibly by providing value-added, innovative and sustainable products and services for customers; minimizing environmental impact as well as empowering the communities in which it operates; thus it has distinguished itself in its Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability programme.

Driven by its brand promise ‘You First, FirstBank is determined to constantly build broader, deeper and sustainable symbiotic relationships to deliver long-term value to shareholders and continuously put stakeholders at the centre of its business.

To drive responsible lending and investing, the bank acknowledges the relevance to the investor of the environmental, social and governance factors, and of the long term health and stability of the market as a whole. Therefore, the Bank implemented an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) management system to conduct due diligence on potential transactions and guide the monitoring of business performance.

In a statement by Folake Ani-Mumuney, First Bank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications said the Bank would continue to drive its business ethically, integrating the environmental, social, and governance criteria to enhance the quality of life of its stakeholders.

First Bank partnered with the Lagos Business School to establish the First Bank Sustainability Centre to contribute to knowledge in the sustainability driven sector. The centre has hosted the International Sustainability Conference to stimulate sustainability principles in business management; Sustainability Workshops for NGOs to create an enabling platform for NGOs in recognition of their emerging roles in contemporary society; and workshops for women-led SMEs to equip women for enterprise development with sustainable growth strategies.

The statement further noted that with an effective Employee Giving and Volunteering Scheme, staff members dedicate their time, knowledge and experience to address development needs and challenges of the community in which they live and work. Some initiatives staff have participated in include annual Down Syndrome Inter House Sports Competition by taking part in some of the sporting activities alongside the children to make them feel loved and appreciated; worldwide commemoration of #GivingTuesday Initiative where gift items were donated to the children in care homes; and the Bank’s FutureFirst programme, which staff volunteer to inculcate knowledge of financial principles and ideals as well as career counseling for youths.