CSR News Summary Issue 16

CBN cedes more Directorship Position to Women

According to the CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the on-going quest to empower women, could be successful if women are allowed to play active role in the banking sector, which is a critical segment of the nation’s economy

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Monday, 24^th April, 2012

UBA partners Benin Republic on $40m Projects

UBA Benin Limited, a subsidiary of the Pan African Banking Group, the United Bank of Africa Plc, recently facilitated the grant of $40m syndicated loan towards economic development of the West African country.

Managing Director, UBA Benin, Mrs Gwen Abiola Oloke, said the transactions underscored UBA’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of the economy of Benin Republic especially by financing large ticket transactions for corporate customers, thus stimulating economic activities.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Monday, 24^th April, 2012

BDA seeks partnership with CBN, NDIC on reforms

The Bank Directors Association of Nigeria has offered to work with the Central Bank of Nigeria and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation in a strategic partnership for the implementation of reforms in the banking sector.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Monday, 23^rd April, 2012

Honeywell empowers Widows

Honeywell Flour Mills Plc is collaborating with the Oasis Association to improve the standard of the widows through skills acquisition.

The Executive Vice Chairman, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr Babatunde Odunayo stated that cash donation was also offered to assist the widows in their businesses.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Monday, 24^th April, 2012

Abia Government to disburse N1bn Loans to Farmers

Abia state government would soon begin disbursement of N1 billion agricultural loan secured from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to farmers in the state.

Published in Vanguard Newspaper, on Tuesday, 24^th April, 2012

NGO to hold Investment Forum for Entrepreneurs

The Nigeria Internet Group, NIG, a non – governmental organisation is organising an internet forum for jobs investors; where entrepreneurs would present their proposals to potential investor thereby creating jobs for the people and transforming the nation into a knowledge – driven society.

Published in Vanguard Newspaper, on Tuesday, 24^th April, 2012

PAFPI holds Free Breast Cancer Screening in Port Harcourt

To curb the menace of breast cancer among Nigerian women, Poverty Alleviation for the Poor Initiative (PAFPI) recently organised a seminar and screening on breast cancer in Port Harcourt.

Executive Director, PAFPI, Kejekpo Omonade stated that the seminar was held to help communicate and educate the public on current information, research outcomes and evidence-based practices in cancer awareness.

Published in Vanguard Newspaper, on Tuesday, 24^th April, 2012

Oshiomole Commissions Portable Water Rig in Etsako

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole recently commissioned a brand new 2,500 metre capacity water borehole drilling rig acquired by the state government at Agbede in Etsako West Local Government Area with a promise to use the resources of the state for the people’s welfare.

Published in Vanguard Newspaper, on Tuesday, 24^th April, 2012

Agbakoba tasks Government on Entrepreneurship

Former National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Olisa Agbakoba has called on the government to, as a matter of urgency, fashion policies that would encourage crafts and entrepreneurship to stem the tide of rising unemployment in the country.

Published in Guardian Newspaper, on Tuesday, 24^th April, 2012

Disaster victims to get free Health Care

The Managing Director, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Osanyintolu, says the state is set to treat victims of any natural disasters in the state free of charge within 24 hours of occurrence in order to reduce the impact of disasters on people.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Wednesday, 25^th April, 2012

Ondo fights Malaria with Abiye programme

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju stated that it had packaged part of its malaria control strategy into its Safe Motherhood Abiye programme to further reduce maternal and infant mortality rate in the state.

He explained that under the new arrangement, health care givers on the Abiye programme would now monitor the use of Insecticide Treated Nets distributed to all pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Wednesday, 25^th April, 2012

Niger trains 4,000 youths in Skills Acquisition

The Commissioner for Youth Development, Mrs. Victoria Jummai Jiya stated that the Aliyu administration has initiated a number of programmes aimed at engaging youths, especially graduates in useful venture with a view to discouraging them from indulging in acts capable of undermining the state.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Thursday, 26^th April, 2012

NGO distributes tricycles, buses to youths in Abia

As part of its efforts to reduce the rate of unemployment and criminality among the youths, Ochendo Youth foundation has disbursed not less than 20 tricycles and four brand new buses to youths.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Thursday, 26^th April, 2012

Bayelsa Communities, ERA raise the alarm over Shell Pipeline Spillage

Natives of Otuasega community in Ogbia Local Government area of Bayelsa State and the environment advocacy group, Environmental Rights Action (ERA), have raised the alarm over an oil spill from a facility belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SDPC), warning that if urgent remedial steps are not taken to contain the spill, it could spread and devastate community farmland and creek

Published in Leadership Newspaper, on Friday, 27^th April, 2012

ExxonMobil, other highlight Anti-Malaria Initiatives

Family Care Association (FCA) and Exxon Mobil plan to train 300 medical personnel and community health workers on current issues on malaria diagnosis, treatment and control in Plateau, Kogi and Lagos state in the month of April

Published in This Day Newspaper, on Friday, 27^th April, 2012

CSR News Summary 15

World Bank grants Nigeria $900m to Boost Agriculture

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, said the World Bank had granted a $900 million facility to Nigeria as part of its assistance towards food security in the country.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Monday, 16^th April, 2012

Aregbesola assures of Rural Development

Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has restated his administration’s commitment to the development of rural areas in the state, particularly access roads to enhance massive food production and better living conditions for the people.

Published in Vanguard Newspaper, on Tuesday, 17^th April 2012

World Bank hails Mimiko on Health Programme

The World Bank has commended Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, for his initiatives and vigorous drive at actualising the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goal, targeting drastic reduction in maternal deaths.

Published in Vanguard Newspaper, on Tuesday, 17^th April 2012

FG targets N1.25BN Fish Feed Per Annum

Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Bukar Tijani, has said that the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the ministry would produce N1.25 billion worth of fish feed per annum.

Published in Vanguard Newspaper, on Tuesday, 17^th April 2012

Government to spend N6b on Vaccines in 2012

As part of its efforts to tackle the shortage of routine vaccines at health centers and introduce new ones against child – killer diseases, the Federal Government has voted N6 billion for procurement of the drugs against pneumonia.

Published in Vanguard Newspaper, on Tuesday, 17^th April 2012

Nigeria Seeks Australia’s investment in Agriculture, Mining

Nigeria has urged Australian investors to take advantage of the country’s potentials in the agriculture and mining sectors especially now that the country has renewed its efforts to develop them.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper, on Wednesday, 18^thApril, 2012

Fashola, minister, others strategise to check Climate Change

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, Minister of the Environment Hajia Hadiza Mailafia and other stakeholders yesterday, pondered on strategies to tackle the devastating impact of climate change in the country.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper, on Wednesday, 18^thApril, 2012

Mortein Flags off anti-malaria Campaign Today

As part of its efforts at eradicating the scourge of malaria in Nigeria, Mortein, one of the brands in the stable of Reckitt Benckiser, has announced its intention to commence an enlightment campaign, aimed at educating the public, especially expectant mothers and children on malaria and the need for stakeholders to join hands in fighting the scourge.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper, on Wednesday, 18^thApril, 2012

Agric Expert task World’s Leaders on Malnutrition

An expert in agriculture, Dr Howarth Bouis, has called on world leaders to employ bio-fortification and other available options to fight the menace of vitamin A and mineral deficiencies among the poor world over.

Published in National Mirror Newspaper, on Thursday, 20th  April, 2012

FG to build Water Laboratories in six States

The water laboratory project, which is being handled by the Federal Government of Water Resources, would on completion ensure distribution of quality water to people in six states of the federation.

The Director, Water Quality and Sanitation, Dr. O.A Agada, said the six water laboratories under construction are Maiduguri, Sokoto, Makurdi, Umuahia, Asaba and Port Harcourt.

Published in National Mirror Newspaper, on Thursday, 20^th April, 2012

Niger to Partner CBN in Rice Production

Niger State Governor, Dr Babangida Aliyu, has set up a committee to look into the possibility of the state partnering with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the production of rice.

He said the decision was part of its measures to ensure food security in the state.

Published in National Mirror Newspaper, on Friday, 21^st April, 2012      

IFC, Notore, SARO Group, others for Thought Leadership on sustainability in Agriculture…

Representatives of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Notore Chemicals, SARO Group and a non-profit initiative, Idea Builders Initiative will constitute a panel of discussants on sustainability in agriculture sat a Thought Leadership Breakfast Series on Sustainable Development tagged, Sustainable Conversations™. The theme for the second in this series is: Driving Sustainable Agriculture for National Development. A bold attempt to bring Nigeria’s agricultural sector under the spotlight; this event will critically review past successes in agriculture through comparative analysis with modern innovations with emphasis on economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Sustainable Conversations™ is a Thought Leadership series on Sustainable Development and seeks to significantly access the roadmap to this auspicious revival by creating a platform for promoting discussions and thought leadership for national development through sustainable agriculture. Also expected in attendance are policy makers, experts and stakeholders in the sector and allied industries with an underlying aim of engaging, understanding, interrogating and supporting the road-map towards achieving the current national policies on Agriculture.

Confirmed discussants include:  Zano Mataruka, Head Agribusiness, International Finance Corporation; Onajite Okoloko, Group Managing Director/CEO, Notore Chemical Industries; Larry Umuna, West Africa Representative, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition; Lucy Kanu, Executive Director of Idea Builders Initiative and Mr. Rasheed Sarumi, Founder of SARO Group. The discussions will be moderated by an International Agric Expert, Mr. Alex Aligbe.

Sustainable agriculture describes systems in which the farmer reaches the goal of producing adequate yields and good profits following production practices that minimize any negative short-and long-term side effects on the environment and the well-being of the community. The major goals of this approach are thus to develop economically viable agro-ecosystems as well as enhance the quality of the environment, so that farmlands will remain productive indefinitely. Sustainable agriculture has become a necessity in a world with increasingly limited resources.

At the end of the event, a resource document will be produced and forwarded to the Federal Government through the Ministry for Agriculture and also widely circulated for concerted efforts at achieving the discussed objectives for National development.

This edition is facilitated by ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited, in partnership with the Etisalat CSR Centre at the Lagos Business School. Attendance and participation at Sustainable Conversations™ is strictly by invitation and subject to confirmation.

The Concept Note for this event issued by the organisers puts forward that, ‘Agriculture was once the main stay and key driver of the Nigerian economy. Virtually, all regions of Nigeria were noted for commercial scale production of one main agricultural product or cash crop. From the cotton industry and the groundnut pyramids of the North, to the cocoa plantations in the South-west and oil palm products and rubber plantations of the South; Nigeria’s agricultural potential and yield attracted trade, growth and development from the rest of the continent and beyond whilst strengthening the economy and providing employment to a majority of the population. However, with increased modernization, industrialization and the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantities in Nigeria, the focus shifted away from agriculture and a gradual yet steady deterioration followed in line with the neglect of the sector in search of oil-based revenue.

The current administration has through the Transformation Agenda placed priority on reviving the Agriculture sector towards repositioning and substantial investment to attain sustainable development.  There has been an increased consciousness about the need to revive Nigeria’s agricultural sector and this can be seen as a response to the increased awareness of the non-renewability of our fast-depleting petroleum resources’.

For more information, send a mail to: sustainableconvos@thistlepraxisconsulting.com or cokeke@lbs.edu.ng.

Experts converge to discuss Sustainable Development in Agriculture…

Experts drawn from the local, continental and international agricultural industry will converge in Lagos to discuss sustainability in agriculture for national development in a Thought Leadership Breakfast Series on Sustainable Development tagged, Sustainable Conversations™. The theme for the second in this series is: Driving Sustainable Agriculture for National Development; and it will bring Nigeria’s agricultural sector under the spotlight with a critical review of past successes in agriculture through comparative analysis with modern innovations with emphasis on economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Sustainable Conversations™ is a Thought Leadership series on Sustainable Development and seeks to significantly access the roadmap to this auspicious revival by creating a platform for promoting discussions and thought leadership for national development through sustainable agriculture. Also expected in attendance are policy makers, experts and stakeholders in the sector and allied industries with an underlying aim of engaging, understanding, interrogating and supporting the road-map towards achieving the current national policies on Agriculture.

Confirmed discussants include:  Zano Mataruka, Head Agribusiness, International Finance Corporation; Onajite Okoloko, Group Managing Director/CEO, Notore Chemical Industries; Larry Umuna, West Africa Representative, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition; Lucy Kanu, Executive Director of Idea Builders Initiative and Mr. Rasheed Sarumi, Founder of SARO Group. The discussions will be moderated by an International Agric Expert, Mr. Alex Aligbe.

Sustainable agriculture describes systems in which the farmer reaches the goal of producing adequate yields and good profits following production practices that minimize any negative short-and long-term side effects on the environment and the well-being of the community. The major goals of this approach are thus to develop economically viable agro-ecosystems as well as enhance the quality of the environment, so that farmlands will remain productive indefinitely. Sustainable agriculture has become a necessity in a world with increasingly limited resources.

At the end of the event, a resource document will be produced and forwarded to the Federal Government through the Ministry for Agriculture and also widely circulated for concerted efforts at achieving the discussed objectives for National development.

This edition is facilitated by ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited, in partnership with the Etisalat CSR Centre at the Lagos Business School. Attendance and participation at Sustainable Conversations™ is strictly by invitation and subject to confirmation.

The Concept Note for this event issued by the organisers puts forward that, ‘Agriculture was once the main stay and key driver of the Nigerian economy. Virtually, all regions of Nigeria were noted for commercial scale production of one main agricultural product or cash crop. From the cotton industry and the groundnut pyramids of the North, to the cocoa plantations in the South-west and oil palm products and rubber plantations of the South; Nigeria’s agricultural potential and yield attracted trade, growth and development from the rest of the continent and beyond whilst strengthening the economy and providing employment to a majority of the population. However, with increased modernization, industrialization and the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantities in Nigeria, the focus shifted away from agriculture and a gradual yet steady deterioration followed in line with the neglect of the sector in search of oil-based revenue.

The current administration has through the Transformation Agenda placed priority on reviving the Agriculture sector towards repositioning and substantial investment to attain sustainable development.  There has been an increased consciousness about the need to revive Nigeria’s agricultural sector and this can be seen as a response to the increased awareness of the non-renewability of our fast-depleting petroleum resources’.

For more information, send a mail to: sustainableconvos@thistlepraxisconsulting.com or cokeke@lbs.edu.ng.

Experts converge to discuss Sustainable Development in Agriculture…

Experts drawn from the local, continental and international agricultural industry will converge in Lagos to discuss sustainability in agriculture for national development in a Thought Leadership Breakfast Series on Sustainable Development tagged, Sustainable Conversations™. The theme for the second in this series is: Driving Sustainable Agriculture for National Development; and it will bring Nigeria’s agricultural sector under the spotlight with a critical review of past successes in agriculture through comparative analysis with modern innovations with emphasis on economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Sustainable Conversations™ is a Thought Leadership series on Sustainable Development and seeks to significantly access the roadmap to this auspicious revival by creating a platform for promoting discussions and thought leadership for national development through sustainable agriculture. Also expected in attendance are policy makers, experts and stakeholders in the sector and allied industries with an underlying aim of engaging, understanding, interrogating and supporting the road-map towards achieving the current national policies on Agriculture.

Confirmed discussants include:  Zano Mataruka, Head Agribusiness, International Finance Corporation; Onajite Okoloko, Group Managing Director/CEO, Notore Chemical Industries; Larry Umuna, West Africa Representative, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition; Lucy Kanu, Executive Director of Idea Builders Initiative and Mr. Rasheed Sarumi, Founder of SARO Group. The discussions will be moderated by an International Agric Expert, Mr. Alex Aligbe.

Sustainable agriculture describes systems in which the farmer reaches the goal of producing adequate yields and good profits following production practices that minimize any negative short-and long-term side effects on the environment and the well-being of the community. The major goals of this approach are thus to develop economically viable agro-ecosystems as well as enhance the quality of the environment, so that farmlands will remain productive indefinitely. Sustainable agriculture has become a necessity in a world with increasingly limited resources.

At the end of the event, a resource document will be produced and forwarded to the Federal Government through the Ministry for Agriculture and also widely circulated for concerted efforts at achieving the discussed objectives for National development.

This edition is facilitated by ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited, in partnership with the Etisalat CSR Centre at the Lagos Business School. Attendance and participation at Sustainable Conversations™ is strictly by invitation and subject to confirmation.

The Concept Note for this event issued by the organisers puts forward that, ‘Agriculture was once the main stay and key driver of the Nigerian economy. Virtually, all regions of Nigeria were noted for commercial scale production of one main agricultural product or cash crop. From the cotton industry and the groundnut pyramids of the North, to the cocoa plantations in the South-west and oil palm products and rubber plantations of the South; Nigeria’s agricultural potential and yield attracted trade, growth and development from the rest of the continent and beyond whilst strengthening the economy and providing employment to a majority of the population. However, with increased modernization, industrialization and the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantities in Nigeria, the focus shifted away from agriculture and a gradual yet steady deterioration followed in line with the neglect of the sector in search of oil-based revenue.

The current administration has through the Transformation Agenda placed priority on reviving the Agriculture sector towards repositioning and substantial investment to attain sustainable development.  There has been an increased consciousness about the need to revive Nigeria’s agricultural sector and this can be seen as a response to the increased awareness of the non-renewability of our fast-depleting petroleum resources’.

For more information, send a mail to: sustainableconvos@thistlepraxisconsulting.com or cokeke@lbs.edu.ng.

ABOUT ETISALAT CSR CENTRE

The Etisalat CSR Centre of Lagos Business School, Pan-African University was launched in 2010 in partnership with Etisalat Nigeria Ltd. The centre the first of its kind in Nigeria is dedicated to assisting organizations create lasting value through responsible business strategies and productive stakeholder relationships through research, training and advocacy in CSR. Ultimately, the Centre aims to improve the state of CSR knowledge, practice and development in Nigeria and Africa through research, hands-on teaching and public forums.

Positioned to facilitate the understanding of the CSR concept through knowledge creation in the areas of corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, business ethics and work life balance; the centre carries out research and the development of case studies as well as disseminates information through seminars and workshops in these areas in MBA and Executive programmes.

The centre also offers research and advisory Services focused on helping companies develop CSR frameworks, policy and strategy, and establish CSR structures and performance indicators. The Centre is lead by Sir Chris Ogbechie, a Management Strategy expert, and one time Director of Marketing/Sales at Nestle Nigeria. Etisalat CSR Centre also has other administrative and research staff, and an advisory board made up of leading academics and non academics who are experts in the social space.

ABOUT THISTLEPRAXIS CONSULTING

ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited is a registered assessments and strategy Management Consultancy based in Nigeria with core interests and expertise in Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (CSR). At ThistlePraxis, we are committed to assisting organisations and enterprises create, define and manage their Sustainability needs as well as other management concerns.  We apply our extensive knowledge to help companies devise and implement strategies to the benefit of all significant stakeholders over the long term. With the entire economy in transformation, companies and institutions need to realign their brands, products and services to cater for new requirements from evolving markets.

Harrison Ogbeni

PR/Media Executive

CSR NEWS SUMMARY ISSUE 14

BUA Donates Computers to NAFDAC

As part of its efforts geared towards complementing the efforts of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in the fight against fake and unwholesome products, BUA International Limited has donated 10 HP laptop computers to the regulatory agency to further boost its operations.

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper, on Tuesday, 10^th April 2012

World Bank invest $4.2BN in Nigeria

The World Bank has so far invested $4.2 billion on projects in the various sectors of the nation’s economy, just as it deployed financial information management system to help the Federal Government stem the rising cases of fraud and corruption in the country.

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper, on Tuesday, 10^th April 2012

CBN cedes more Directorship Position to Women

According to the CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the on-going quest to empower women, could be successful if women are allowed to play active role in the banking sector, which is a critical segment of the nation’s economy

Published in The Guardian Newspaper, on Wednesday, 11^th April 2012

Seven states adopt Songhai Integrated Farm Model in Nigeria

Seven of the 36 states in Nigeria have concluded partnership agreement with the Songhai farm in Porto-Novo in neighbouring Benin Republic to set up integrated farm systems in their states.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper, on Wednesday, 11^th April 2012

CBN backs BoA’s Transformation

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it will continue to back efforts aimed at repositioning the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) for greater performance.

The Managing Director, BoA, Dr Mohammed Santuraki, stated that the partnership between the two banks would produce the desired results.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 11^th April 2012

Kwara partners Indian Firm on Health

Health care delivery in Kwara State is set to improve remarkably following the Abdul-Fatah Ahmed administration’s plan to rehabilitate 16 general hospitals and construct 150 primary health centres modelled on the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

The governor expressed his administration’s willingness to partner with the Apollo International Hospital, India to improve access to health care in the state.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 11^th April 2012

3,605 Fulani in Cross River

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 3,605 persons mostly Fulani nomads, are taking refuge in four temporary camps in Utanga, Obaniliku Local Government Area of Cross River State..

The Director- General of NEMA hailed the Cross River State Government for accommodating the displaced persons and for providing borehole, tents and water tanks at the camps.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Thursday, 12^th April 2012

Government awards N5b contract for Almajiri Schools

The Federal Government has awarded N5 billion contract for the construction of Almajiri schools across the country under the second phase of the Almajiri programme.

Vice President, Namadi Sambo stated that the Federal Government and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) had signed 98 million dollars loan agreement to promote the education of almajiris and the girl-child in Nigeria.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Thursday, 12^th April 2012

How Nigeria can attain MDG’s

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina stated that provision of adequate portable water; safe sanitation and good hygiene practices in the rural areas are the key elements of stepping down the high indices of maternal and child mortality and the timely attainment of the Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Thursday, 12^th April 2012

Kogi Provides Free Medical Service for Rural Dwellers

Kogi State Governor Idris Wada has flagged off a free medical treatment for rural dwellers in the 21 local government areas of the state. The governor, who flagged off the programme at Ajaokuta, said that he was touched by the pitiable health situations of some rural dwellers, especially the vulnerable group.

He stated that his administration would focus on robust healthcare delivery to the people, adding that he would equip all the health facilities in the state for the treatment of all diseases.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Thursday, 12^th April 2012

Nigeria gets $225m Credit to fight HIV/AIDS

The Director, Partnership Coordinator at the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA), Mrs. Maimuna Yakubu Mohammed, stated that Nigeria is to benefit from a $225 million World Bank credit to help fight HIV/AIDS. The credit, which has a four year span period, is to be shared among the 36 states of the federation, including Abuja.

Mrs. Mohammed, however, said that each state is expected to provide $100, 000 as counterpart fund and that only states with an agency for the control of AIDS would benefit from the credit.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Thursday, 12^th April 2012

Capacity Building, Key to Healthcare Plan –NPHCDA

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has said that adequate capacity building is key to effective implementation of the national and state strategic health care plans.

The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, NPHCDA, Dr. Emmanuel Odu, made this known at the national Training of Trainers (TOT) for resource persons on data bottleneck analysis and revised methodology for primary health care and health plan review, in Enugu. He recalled that NPHCDA supported 36 states and Abuja to develop their health care development plans and annual strategic plans from their health care development plans.

Published in National Mirror Newspaper on Friday, 13th April 2012

Kenya, Nigeria Unite Against Disease Spread

The Kenya Aids Vaccination Initiative (KAVI) has expressed its willingness to collaborate with Nigeria to tackle diseases in Africa.

The Programme Director of KAVI, Prof. Omu Anzala, pointed out that the initiative is an on-going global effort to apply genomic science and associated technologies to further the understanding of health and diseases among different populations. He said the institute was now collaborating with Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa and Gambia in its vaccine research works.

Published in Daily Trust Newspaper on Friday, 13th April 2012

CSR NEWS SUMMARY ISSUE 13

Health Workers seek Improved Funding for Primary HealthCare

President, Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWUN), Dr Ayuba Wabba, has called on government to increase budgetary allocations to improve primary health care delivery in the country.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Monday, 2^nd March 2012

PDP to Empower One Million Grassroots Women

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Women Leader and Former Aviation Minister, Kema Chikwe, has assured the women folk, especially those at the grassroots, that the leadership of the party will embark on programmes that will uplift their lives.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Monday, 2^nd March 2012

SPDC Donates Civic Centre to Delta Community

In a bid to fulfil its corporate social responsibility to its host communities, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) commissioned the civic centre it donated to Apkata-Gbegbe community in Warri South West Local Government of Delta State.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Monday, 2^nd March 2012

Imo, U.S to Partner on Economy

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has expressed willingness to partner U.S government in its renewed bid to revamp and reposition some critical sectors (agriculture, tourism and education) in Nigeria’s economy.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Monday, 2^nd March 2012

NDDC gives N1b lifeline for Agric. Development

The Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State at the NDDC noted that the focus of the Commission in alleviating poverty in the region has gone beyond infrastructural development to educational training, job creation and human capacity development.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Monday, 2^nd March 2012

Etisalat partners ESRI to deploy Polio monitoring Apps

Etisalat has partnered with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to deploy android based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications for the mapping of polio risk areas and tracking routes covered by Polio immunization teams during vaccination in the country.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Monday, 2^nd March 2012

Diamond Bank partners Foundation to bring succour to accident Victims

Diamond Bank Plc has once again partnered with the Daniel Ogechi Akujobi Memorial (DOAM) Foundation to raise funds for the execution of the foundation’s programmes for accident victims.

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper, on Tuesday, 3^rd March 2012

CBN, AGRA Partnership to boost Insurance

Mr Ibrahim Balogun, an expert in the underwriting business, said that CBN agreed with AGRA in 2010 to develop the Nigeria Incentive – Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL)

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper, on Tuesday, 3^rd March 2012

Bill Gates gives Nigeria N1.87bn to Boost Yam Production

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has announced the receipt of a $12 million (about N1.872 billion) grant from U.S multi-billionaire Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, to boost the production of yam for consumers

Published in Daily Sun Newspaper, on Tuesday, 3^rd March 2012

Agricultural Ministry seeks Legislation to firm up Transformation Programme

The Ministry of Agriculture is working with the legislature to roll out laws that will ensure continuity of its transformation programme especially the cassava revolution plan which seeks to replace up to 40 percent of the wheat flour presently used to process bread with cassava.

Published in Business Day Newspaper, on Tuesday, 3^rd March 2012

TY Danjuma Foundation Donates N10m to Ekiti Development Foundation

The TY Danjuma Foundation (TYDF), an indigenous philanthropic organisation has given an initial grant of N10 million to the Ekiti State Development Foundation (EDF) to help the EDF provide soft loans to grantees on her scheme.

Published in Business Day Newspaper, on Tuesday, 3^rd March 2012

Fisheries society partners U.S. Firm on Production

The workshop, which is being organised in collaboration with Winrock International, a U.S. based , a non – profit organisation registered in Nigeria, is aimed at providing aquaculture extension officers with the skills required to train investors in Tilapia production in the country.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper, on Wednesday, 4^th March 2012

Benefits of BOI’s Intervention Fund to Manufacturers

Manager, Risk Management Division, Bank of Industry, (BOI), Mr Kola Adewole noted that the objectives of the fund are to fast track the development of the manufacturing sector of the economy by improving access to credit to manufacturers, improve the financial position of the Deposit Money Banks, increase output, generate employment and to diversify the revenue base.

Published in The Guardian Newspaper, on Wednesday, 4^th March 2012

MTN Foundation boost Education with N510m

In the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), about 2,559 brilliant students have benefit have benefitted from this gesture, as the target was to promote science and technology education as well as assist the virtually impaired persons to be able to further their education effectively.

Published in The Nation Newspaper, on Wednesday, 4^th March 2012

Rivers, firms sign MOU on Syringe Factory

The MOU was signed between Rivers and Sortimat of Germany, Austroplan of Austria and Rommelag also of Germany.

The move, according to the state government, is part of the expansion programme of the medical programme of the medical facilities put in place by the Rotimi Amaechi administration.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Thursday, 5^th March 2012

MDGs: FG tasks Governors on Completion of Projects

Federal Government has asked state governments to put in place machinery that will ensure projects undertaken under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) scheme are completed and delivered for the beneficiary communities within deadline.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Thursday, 5^th March 2012

Niger procures N162m Water Treatment Chemicals

Niger State government said it has concluded plans to bring to an end years of water related problems with improved quality and quantity of water supplied to its citizenry  as it recently procured water treatment chemicals worth N162 million

The Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Cadiz El-Abdullahi said the state government decided to procure enough treatment that could last for at least 12 months to prevent the outbreak of water borne diseases as a result of contaminated water in the state.

Published in Punch Newspaper, on Thursday, 5^th March 2012

Firm donates Volleyball Court to NYSC

Promasidor Nigeria Limited has once again taken a giant stride in sports development in Nigeria with a donation of a volleyball court to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Lagos Camp during the week.

Published in Daily Independent Newspaper, on Thursday, 5^th March 2012

Mr President please don’t give Corporate Social Responsibility a bad name

by Kenneth Amaeshi, PhD

The recent national debate over a “gift” of a church building from an Italian company – Gitto Contstruzioni Generalli Nigeria Limited (CGC) – to the President Jonathan’s country home (Otuoke, Bayelsa State) raises a fundamental question about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Nigeria: Is CSR all about corporate giving or could there be more to it?
 

In a study I conducted recently with some colleagues (Amaeshi, Adi, Ogbechie and Amao., 2006 - Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria: Indigenous practices or Western influences?, Journal of Corporate Citizenship, 24: 83-99), we found that corporate philanthropy – also known as corporate community investments or corporate giving – was the dominant understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Nigeria. That understanding is still very much the case today. As the name suggests, corporate philanthropy is mainly an act of giving back to the society at large. 

This has included donations to schools, hospitals, local communities, prisons and orphanages; construction of roads and decoration of public spaces; economic empowerment and poverty alleviation. Whilst these are laudable corporate activities, they appear to distort the true and broader meaning of CSR. The emphasis on corporate philanthropy gives the broad CSR agenda a poor characterisation and invariably an underserved negative reputation.

A view that is rarely mentioned in CSR discourse in Nigeria is the idea that CSR is a business philosophy, which takes the positive and negative impacts arising from corporate activities that are borne by some third parties who are unconnected to the business, seriously. These impacts could be at the production, sale or consumption point.  A good example of a negative impact is the pollution arising from a production plant, which causes some health hazards to residents not involved in the business transaction. Another example could be the impacts of binge drinking on the society, which is not factored-in in the production and sale costs of alcohols. In such instances, the social costs (including health costs arising from the use of alcoholic products) are borne by the society. These negative impacts on the society are hardly accounted for in the profit and loss statements of most companies, and neither do they have such in their balance sheets. In other words, the firms have externalised some of their costs by free-riding on some public or common resources. Other possible negative corporate impacts on the society as a whole include: child labour, bribery and corruption, corporate connivance with oppressive government regimes to sell their products and services (companies involved in arms and ammunitions are often accused of such deals), human rights abuses, et cetera. Agreeably, businesses do not only generate negative impacts. 

They also create many positive externalities, which include jobs, tax contributions, contributions to economic development, and investments in human capital development, production of quality goods and services, profits et cetera. In some cases, firms voluntarily incur some extra costs to go beyond the minimum expected by regulation, or the provision of education and other social infrastructure by firms through philanthropic or other citizenship activities.

Traditionally, the burden of governing corporate impacts has always been borne by the State. In order to curtail negative impacts, the State uses such regulatory mechanisms as taxes, subsidies and quotas. But these regulatory mechanisms are not foolproof, not least, due to information asymmetries between businesses, as generators of impacts, and the regulators, as governors of impacts. If these information asymmetries are not properly addressed, the society at large suffers. And this is where true CSR, as a form of self regulation, serves as a very potent mechanism for addressing information asymmetries between businesses and the regulators. It is a form of self-regulation that should be completely voluntary and driven by the values and philosophy of a business.

From a best practice perspective, therefore, a true CSR ought to be a sincere and genuine corporate commitment to reducing its negative impacts and increasing its positive impacts on its different stakeholder groups (e.g. customers, shareholders, employees, regulators, the government, unions, local communities, et cetera). It is a business orientation and culture that recognises the firm as an entity embedded in a network of relationships with different stakeholder groups; and to be successful and sustainable, a business should be genuinely committed and responsive to these stakeholder groups. It should afford any firm that is truly committed to it a richer and more advanced paradigm to continuously challenge its business purpose and align itself with its core values, aspirations and mission. It is a way of maintaining the legitimacy of a firm’s actions in the larger society by bringing its stakeholder concerns to the foreground and minimizing information asymmetries between actors.

CSR should not undermine the role of the government or other public governance modes in regulating corporate impacts. Rather, it affirms the co-existence of a plurality of governance modes, where CSR complements the existing public and informal governance modes, and thus creates a better chance that both the public and private governance modes will compensate for each other’s weaknesses in the governance of corporate impacts. The ultimate goal of a true CSR is to contribute to a better society.

By implication, the dominant view of CSR as corporate philanthropy amongst most Nigerian businesses needs to be seriously challenged. The idea of CSR as corporate philanthropy is the most basic and lowest expression of CSR. Whilst corporate philanthropy is an ‘activity’ – e.g. a project, a grant, et cetera, a cutting-edge thinking of CSR is the view that CSR is a ‘business paradigm’, a culture that should permeate all facets of business decisions. It is a way of life – the ‘how’ of “how we do business”. Therefore, there is a need for most Nigerian businesses to progress from this narrow understanding of CSR as corporate philanthropy to the understanding of CSR as a business culture.

Gitto’s operations in Nigeria should be thoroughly subjected to this broader test of CSR, and not the narrow view of corporate philanthropy, which can sometimes share a thin border with corruption.

***Dr. Amaeshi is the Director of the Sustainable Business Initiative, at the University of Edinburgh, UK, and a Visiting Faculty at the Lagos Business School, Pan-African University, Nigeria. He is also a member of Thought Leadership Forum, Nigeria (Email: kenneth.amaeshi@ed.ac.uk).