Polaris wins Africa’s SERAS Award for Sustainability, CSR recognition

IN a resounding testament to its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability, a leading Nigerian bank has emerged victorious at the prestigious Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility Awards (SERAS), Africa’s most esteemed recognition of outstanding sustainability and CSR initiatives, further solidifying the bank’s reputation as a champion of environmental and social stewardship.

SERAS is one of Africa’s most renowned and prestigious Sustainability/Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) recognition, for consistent and impactful critical community interventions across Nigeria over the years.

At the 18th edition of the SERAS Awards, held at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, recognition came the way of Polaris Bank in what the organisers described as “the Banks unwavering commitment to sustainable development and impactful community interventions across Nigeria.”

The SERAS awards, widely regarded as Africa’s gold standard in Sustainability and CSR, celebrates organizations that exemplify innovation, impact, and excellence in advancing sustainable development. The awards spotlight large corporations, SMEs, and nonprofits that champion solutions with lasting societal and environmental benefits.

This year’s ceremony brought together an elite gathering of business leaders, global sustainability experts, policymakers, and CEOs dedicated to shaping Africa’s sustainable future.

For Polaris Bank, the recognition reaffirmed its leadership in driving transformative change through its strategic Sustainability and CSR interventions.

Polaris Bank’s extensive portfolio of Sustainability, ESG and CSR initiatives which earns it” “Best in Rural Population Integration” award at the SERAs, underscores its commitment to improving lives and fostering sustainable growth in rural and underserved communities.

Over the years, the Bank has implemented critical interventions across Nigeria, ranging from providing basic infrastructure to supporting vulnerable groups. Some of its notable achievements include:

Sponsoring the Acquisition and Planting of 2,000 economic trees across communities in Nigeria… e.g. Ajingi community in Kano State.

Donation of equipment and renovation of the Ibeju-Lekki Skill Acquisition Centre

Installation of boreholes in key but underserved communities to provide access to clean water in rural areas.

Delivering educational resources/essentials —including libraries, sandals, bags, uniforms, books, and pens—to over 15,000 indigent students across public secondary schools in Nigeria, ensuring their continuous education with many in remote communities.

Providing over a decade free breast cancer screening support to some 20,000 women and retreat/experience sharing for survivors that has reduced mortality rate in Nigeria.

Establishing hospitals, and reconstruction/rehabilitation centers for victims of sexual violence, and vocational centers for women.

Donating ICT laboratory to IWD Skills Acquisition Center and promoting financial literacy programs in schools.

Launching medical outreach programs and supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through significant donations.

These interventions have not only improved living standards, but have also stemmed rural-to-urban migration by making the communities more attractive, conducive, habitable and self-reliant.

Polaris Bank recently demonstrated its commitment to community resilience with the reopening of its Sagamu branch, which was destroyed during the cash crunch riots following the Naira redesign policy.

Following appeal from stakeholders within the community, the Bank’s management approved the complete reconstruction and re-equipping of the branch.

The reopening marked a turning point for the Sagamu community, restoring access to critical banking services and underscoring Polaris Bank’s role as a trusted partner in economic recovery.

Speaking on the award, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director, Kayode Lawal, highlighted the Bank’s dedication to sustainability and social impact. “We thank SERAs for the recognition of our bank’s strategic intervention and consistent investment across communities on project that impact positively on the people and the environment.”

In Polaris Bank, Kayode says: “Sustainability is not just a cliché, and it is not a destination, but a journey. Our involvement in community development projects is something borne out of our deliberate effort to impact the citizens through enhanced socio-economic interventions that reduce the impact of climate change on our environment, as it affects the economy and people at large.” he stated.

Participants at the award ceremony leveraged the classy evening, “to connect with like-minded professionals and organizations championing sustainable business practices at an event that celebrated Africa’s sustainability leaders and reaffirmed the shared vision of driving positive, lasting change across the continent.

As a trailblazer in Sustainability and CSR, Polaris Bank remains steadfast in its mission to uplift communities, foster economic growth, and champion innovative solutions that address pressing societal challenges.

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