ISSUES surrounding sustainability and the need to chart sustainable pathways for corporate social responsibility-driven organizational growth again formed the thematic thrusts of the maiden edition of the inaugural MediaConsortium’s CSR Impacts and Excellence Conference and Awards, held in Lagos, over the weekend.
Tagged: “Driving a Sustainable Future: Leveraging CSR for Organisational Growth,” the conference provided a platform for in-depth discussions on how companies can embed CSR into their core strategies, and the need to celebrate businesses making outstanding contributions to social and environmental sustainability.
Delivering the keynote address, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods, Ekuma Eze, expressed the strong belief that sustainability has become very imperative for businesses, desirous of enjoying unflinching loyalty from the consuming public.
Eze, who was represented by Olukemi Ogunsakin, argued that this has become expedient since consumers are increasingly becoming environmentally concerned.
“As people become more environmentally concerned, businesses must adapt to stay relevant and responsible.
“Companies that prioritise sustainability not only help the environment, but also enhance their brand image and attract more customers,” he stated
He noted further that sustainable practices, such as investing in renewable energy and organic farming, can translate into long-term cost savings and increased profitability.
In his own paper, Special Adviser on One Health to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, and President of the Lagos Recyclers Association, Dr. Femi Idowu-Adegoke, stressed the need to take CSR beyond charity, and make it a central business strategy.
“In Nigeria, where socio-economic and environmental issues persist, businesses that strategically integrate CSR into their operations can achieve competitive advantage, stakeholder trust and long-term profitability,” he remarked.
Dr. Idowu-Adegoke added that while the government continues to address national challenges, the private sector’s strategic involvement through CSR is indispensable.
He, therefore, encouraged organisations to go beyond tokenism and embrace structured, impact-driven CSR initiatives.
In his welcome address, Co-Publisher of MediaConsortium Magazine and one of the event conveners, Adetunji Faleye, emphasised the importance of CSR.
According to him, CSR should no longer be treated as a buzzword but as a fundamental commitment forward-thinking organisations must embrace to create a lasting impact.
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