STANDARD CHARTERED EMPLOYEES TO RAISE $720,000

Employees of Standard Chartered Bank Limited have pledged their last hour’s pay of 2011 to raise $720,000 for the bank’s programme to tackle preventive blindness, titled, “Seeing is Believing.”

A statement by the bank on Friday said the latest fundraising initiative would help Standard Chartered meet its target of raising $100m by 2020 to improve access to eye-care across its markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. “Seeing is Believing” was initiated by Standard Chartered employees in 2003 as a way of celebrating the bank’s 150th anniversary.

Over the years, employees have shown a deep commitment to fundraising for the programme, contributing around 70 per cent of the fundraising. As a result, Seeing is Believing has become the group’s flagship fundraising programme, raising $37m so far.

The Group Finance Director, Standard Chartered, Mr. Richard Meddings, said, “Seeing is Believing continues to grow, increasing access to eye-care for millions around the world. This success is driven by the generosity of our employees, customers and suppliers. Thanks to individual staff members who have chosen to donate their last hour’s pay for 2011; we are a step closer to our commitment to raise $100m by 2020. While the financial figure is impressive, the impact will be much greater by providing access to eye treatment or surgeries, we’re transforming people’s lives.”

According to the statement, the majority of avoidable blindness, which is 90 per cent of cases, occurs in the developing world, affecting economic productivity in communities where the bank operates.

Meddings, who is also the chairman of the initiative, said providing eye-care, treatment and surgeries for affected population enabled individuals to regain their sight and, as a result, were able to work or study or take better care of their families.

He stated that cataract operations cost an average of $30, adding that, tackling preventable blindness was identified as a worthwhile focus for the Standard Chartered fund raising activity.

The statement said, “Seeing is Believing has provided access to eye-care services to more than 25 million people since it was inaugurated in 2003.”

***Published in Punch Newspaper on 26^th Jan. 2012

21ST CENTURY TECH GETS KUDOS ON CSR

Leading fixed telephone operator and integrated information and communications technology solutions provider, 21st Century Technologies Limited, has been awash with commendations from government and organistions on its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) over the years. A press statement made available to ITRealms Online cited the recent recognition by the Lagos State Government to 21st Century Technologies on CSR.

The Lagos State Executive Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) was quoted as saying that the firm has proved in its investment pattern as well as job implementations to be a truly socially responsible company, which warranted the award.

The award was received by the Chief Executive of 21st Century Technologies, Mr. Wale Ajisebutu, who expressed appreciation to Lagos State Government and particularly, the governor, for the people-oriented projects being implemented in the state.

Still in the euphoria of this, 21st Century Technologies recently received a certificate of appreciation from Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria. According to the bank the telecommunications giant was being appreciated “in recognition of her supportive role as a valued service provider to Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria over the past 10 years.”

The certificate was endorsed by the Group Head, Procurement and Vendor Management, Mr. James Berry and Country Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Christopher Knight. Reacting to the certificate of appreciation, Mr. Ajisebutu, acknowledged the fact that Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria has proved to be a responsible and responsive corporate giant in the banking industry in the country.

In addition, the Lekki Peninsula Phase 1 Residents Association, eulogized 21st Century Technolgies “in recognition, acknowledgement and appreciation of the company’s contributions towards the development of Lekki Peninsula Phase 1, Lagos.”

In a letter made available to newsmen in Lagos, the chairman of the association, Chief Kayode V. Aderinoku, noted that the company among others acted on corporate social responsibility, rehabilitation of streetlights on Admiralty Way, and maintained the streetlights for a long time.

ITRealms Online recalls that these commendations and recognition came even as 21st Centur y Technologies grabbed the Best Integrated ICT Solutions Provider of the Year award at the eighth edition of NITTA 2009.

***Published in Daily Champion Newspaper on 12^th Jan. 2010