Access Bank and CSR-in-Action Partner to Host the 17th C-PET Workshop
Access Bank Plc and CSR-in-Action Group last week successfully executed the 17th instalment of the CSO Professionalism and Effectiveness Therapy (CPET) Workshop; the years-long partnership aimed at enhancing the efficiency capacity of nonprofits and voluntary citizen groups.
The 17th C-PET training centred around the theme of “UN SDGs Compliance for Nonprofits.” The objective was to familiarise civil society organisations and nonprofit entities with essential principles related to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This involved aligning their respective missions with these goals and placing a strong emphasis on fostering collaboration, as well as developing sustainable project design and management strategies. The ultimate aim was to improve the accessibility of funding and overall operational efficacy.
Despite the challenges brought about by widened inequalities and global exclusion, we took pride in hosting enthusiastic participants representing diverse Civil Society Organisations from all corners of Nigeria. The path to this training was fiercely competitive, with over 135 promising candidates vying for participation. Our stringent selection process resulted in the shortlisting of 127 individuals, out of whom 69 emerged as successful candidates, securing their positions in this transformative event.
The core of any successful training lies in its facilitation, and the 17th C-PET Workshop was enriched by the expertise of Mr. Bankole Oloruntoba, along with solid materials. Serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), Mr. Oloruntoba brought his wealth of knowledge in Climate Technology Partnership, entrepreneurship development, and business innovation to the forefront. His profound understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and non-profit operations ensured that participants gained the necessary insights to drive positive change within their respective organisations.
Mr. Oloruntoba equipped attendees with essential tools to define their organisations, reinforce their value propositions, and align them with the UN SDGs. The expectation is that this learning will cascade across the non-profit sector through a train-the-trainer value chain, fostering amplified impact and sustainability for the causes transformative to the society.
This training not only underscores CSR-in-Action’s unwavering commitment but also mirrors Access Bank’s aspiration to be recognised as the world’s most caring and esteemed African Bank. Access Bank’s investments in Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement deeply resonate with the nation’s pursuit of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we are advancing steadfastly to expedite progress in Africa’s largest economy, one sustainable step at a time.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all participants, facilitators, and collaborators who have supported this journey to the 17th C-PET Workshop.
For inquiries about the upcoming 18th CPET workshop or other training opportunities, kindly reach out to workshops@csr-in-action.org or call Isaac on 09062634122.
CSR-in-Action Set to Unveil the 12th Sustainability in the Extractive Industries
Prepare to mark your calendars because the countdown has begun!
We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 12th Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) Conference, scheduled for Tuesday, 31 October, 2023. Get ready to immerse yourself in a day of thought-provoking discussions, groundbreaking insights, and collaborative action, all in the heart of the city of Lagos.
This year, SITEI takes a quantum leap forward with its theme, ‘The SDGs and the Extractive Sector: Aligning Governance, Policies, and Practices’. As we gather at the crossroads of progress, we’ll delve into the dynamic relationship between the extractive industries and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our mission? To pave the way for equitable, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable economic development in the extractive industries.
Powered by the visionary minds at CSR-in-Action Group, a global sustainability powerhouse, the SITEI Conference thrives on collaboration. With the support of influential partners like the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (FMMSD), the Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Ford Foundation, and other key stakeholders, SITEI is poised to make waves.
Distinguished personalities from both governmental and industrial spheres are expected to grace the event as speakers. Among the expected luminaries are His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Dr. Abdulrasaq Garba, the esteemed Director-General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency; Dr. Mina Ogbanga, a driving force as the Country Director and CEO of the Centre for Development Support Initiative (CEDSI); Dr. Uwem Ite, a prominent figure as the Head of Community and Government Relations at Oriental Energy Resources Limited; Damilola Ogunbiyi, a trailblazer who serves as the CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All; Bankole Oloruntoba, the visionary CEO of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center; Oluwakemi Ajakaiye, the dynamic Executive Director of Ampak Nigeria Limited and a respected Board Member of the Nigeria Chapter of the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN-NG).
Guided by these visionary speakers, the conference promises an engaging exploration of the symbiotic relationship between the SDGs and the extractive industries, tailored specifically to the Nigerian context. Brace yourselves for vibrant discussions, transformative insights, and the birth of collaborative strategies that will drive real-world change.
Don’t miss out on this remarkable opportunity to be part of a movement that’s reshaping the future. Registration is now open, and seats are limited. Join us on Tuesday, 31 October, as we transcend boundaries, spark innovation, and set the course for a more sustainable tomorrow.
Register HERE for the 2023 SITEI Conference.
For entities interested in sponsorship opportunities and ad bookings, please reach out to us via email at info@csr-in-action.com or visit our sponsorship page for more details or Chioma on 09062634108. We value the support of our sponsors and look forward to collaborating with you to make this event a success.
Top 3 Finalists Emerge for the 2023 Community and Human Rights (CAHR) Awards Africa
It is with immense pleasure and excitement that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our nominees of the 2023 Community Engagement and Human Rights (CAHR) Awards Africa. The overwhelming response to public voting has brought forth the top three finalists in each award category.
Furthermore, it brings us delight to announce that due to the remarkable influence of their efforts, unwavering dedication, and strong public support, these finalists have firmly established themselves as agents of change in their respective fields.
As we approach the final stages of this prestigious event, the nominated finalists will undergo a meticulous evaluation by a distinguished panel of jurors. These experts will closely scrutinise the accomplishments and the enduring impact of each finalist’s work. This comprehensive evaluation will be instrumental in selecting the ultimate winner for each category, a decision that reflects not only the transformative power of their initiatives but also the depth of their commitment to their cause.
The esteemed panel of judges for the 2023 Africa Community and Human Rights (CAHR) Awards comprises notable individuals such as Ichechi Okonkwo, CEO of Victoria Crest Homes; Nwakaego Boyo, veteran Nollywood Actress and Producer, Temitayo Ade-Peters, CEO of WeForGood International; and Linda Ofori-Kwafo, Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative; amongst other distinguished figures.
The winners of each category will be officially unveiled at the upcoming SITEI Conference, scheduled for Tuesday October 31 2023. This announcement will add to the sense of anticipation and excitement that surrounds the CAHR Awards Africa.
2023 CAHR Awards Africa finalists shortlist:
*Top 3 Finalists are highlighted
- Dangote Cement Plc
- Guidance Community Development Foundation
- Charitable Youth for Nation Building Initiative
- Africa Cleanup Initiative
- CIST East Africa Industries Limited
- IHS Tower
- Women of Inestimable Values Foundation
- House of Hilkiah Foundation
- Bonabear Foundation
- Kayode Philip Foundation
- Mulapnen Capacity Building Initiative
- Kikelomo Adisa
- Mofoluwasho Monisola Liasu
- Blessing Okojie Eze
- Kemi Dasilva Ibru
- IHS Towers
- Tech Herfrica Support Foundation (Tech Herfrica)
- Sahara Group Foundation
- Dangote Cement Plc
- Asharami Energy Limited
- Mrs. Mavi Isibor
- Sabertha Zulu
- Bukola Amao Taiwo
- Yusha’u Muhammad Abubakar
- Terrence Afukezeh Fang
- Mofoluwasho Monisola Liasu
- Kikelomo Adisa
- Benjamin Masominu Olorunfemi
- Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh
- Dikeledi Moabelo
- Tendai Carlton Saunyama
- Amb. Tama Monday Yari
- Janet Tayo Faremi
- Dikeledi Moabelo
- Dr. Alexander Akhigbe
- Dangote Cement Plc
- Accountability Lab
- Asharami Energy Limited
- Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc
The CAHR Awards Africa stands as a testament to the incredible work being done across the African continent to promote human rights, social justice, and community development. This intervention program, initiated by CSR-in-Action Advocacy, has been made possible through the generous support of Ford Foundation and the steadfast backing of Zenera Consulting. Established in 2019, the CAHR Awards Africa continues to shine a spotlight on individuals and organisations that are creating lasting positive change in their communities.
For further details about the awards, please visit our website or follow us on our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also reach out to us at cahrawards@csr-in-action.org
CSR-in-Action Conducts 25th Training Cohort for Sustainability Professionals
Having led sustainability reporting adoption globally, CSR-in-Action has once again successfully completed its first GRI Certified training course of the year. This comprehensive training event took place between 18 July to 20 July, 2023 led by CSR-in-Action’s in-house experts.
Guided by these adept facilitators, the training revolved around two core modules: “Introduction to GRI and GRI Standards 2021” and “Reporting with the GRI Standards 2021.” The former module provided attendees with insights into sustainable development, the nuances of sustainability reporting practices, and an initiation into the key concepts underpinning the GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards. The latter module, “Reporting with the GRI Standards 2021,” equipped participants with an exhaustive grasp of the GRI Standards and imparted skills on how to effectively utilise these standards to achieve excellence in impact reporting.
The revised Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Universal Standards is the latest guidance on sustainability management and measurement for businesses and institutions of any size, and in any nation of the world. It represents the most significant update since GRI transitioned from providing guidance to setting standards of sustainability practice in 2016. The Universal Standards strengthen the foundations of all Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) through GRI, delivering the highest level of transparency for organisational impacts on the economy, environment, and people. The Standards offer organisations the necessary tools to respond to emerging regulatory disclosure needs, both globally (such as with the United Nations Global Compact Communication on Progress and the Sustainable Development Goals) and nationally, including the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles and the NSE Sustainability Disclosure Guidelines), through the multi-sectorally designed GRI reporting framework.
CSR-in-Action (the only GRI Certified Training Partner in Nigeria and a global certified partner) is offering GRI Certified Training Courses to teach key features of the Universal Standards 2021 and reflect on the global and regional reporting landscape. We are also introducing eight new courses for participants namely:
- Reporting on Human Rights with GRI Standards 2021 Update
- Integrating the SDGs into Sustainability Reporting
- GRI 207: Tax 2019 Standard
- GRI Content Index Course 2021 Update
- Transitioning to the GRI Standards 2021 Update
- GRI 306: Waste
- GRI 403: Occupational Health and Safety
- Reporting with GRI 11: Oil and Gas Sector 2021
These new modules can be taken altogether or individually by new participants or former participants who have completed the GRI Certified Training Course.
Register to understand better how to tell a truthful and compelling responsible business narrative, using the GRI Standards, the world’s most widely adopted ESG reporting framework. This workshop is open to any interested sustainability professionals and company representatives in Nigeria, who are open to learning about how to manage and report on a business’ sustainability journey.
If you have further questions, please contact Isaac Emmanuel at workshops@csr-in-action.com, or at +234 906 263 4122 or +234 906 263 4116.
WeConnect International: Joint In-person Meet the Member
WEConnect International Nigeria Chapter hosted an impactful “Meet the Members” event on Thursday, 24 August, 2023 at Lilygate Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.
The event was organised to provide a platform for women-owned businesses to connect with potential multinational buyers, learn about supplier diversity programs, and network with other women entrepreneurs. The event was attended by over 50 women-owned businesses from a variety of industries, including manufacturing, services, and technology. The buyer companies represented a wide range of sectors, including banking, FMCG, and energy.
The event kicked off with a welcome address by the WEConnect Nigeria Country Director, Yeshua Russel. He highlighted the importance of supplier diversity and the role that WEConnect International plays in connecting women-owned businesses with qualified buyers. The welcome message was given by Mrs. Ngozi Nzegwu, the CEO of Dugo Limited. She shared her own experience as a woman entrepreneur and encouraged the attendees to never give up on their dreams.
As an enthusiastic participant of the event and a dedicated member of WeConnect International, CSR-in-Action took centre stage, hosting a mini exhibition that highlighted our product offerings, with a special focus on our impactful Good Citizen books. The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the Good Citizen books, which have been thoughtfully crafted to educate children about the significance of civic participation and the values of social responsibility.
The In-Person Meet the Member Event was a testament to the power of connections and collaboration. WEConnect International’s Nigeria Chapter remains committed to championing women-owned businesses, fostering meaningful partnerships, and contributing to the advancement of gender equality and entrepreneurship.
News Section
ACI, KPMG Restate Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Africa Cleanup Initiative (ACI), a non-governmental organisation committed to environmental sustainability and KPMG Nigeria have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. This resulted in a collaborative clean-up endeavour at Oniru Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Mr. Shedrack Bright, ACI’s Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, emphasised that the clean-up event at Oniru Beach aimed to raise awareness about the paramount importance of environmental sustainability. He highlighted the vital need to instil values such as waste sorting and separation at the beach area.
Furthermore, ACI expressed its enthusiasm for the partnership with KPMG, a venture that resonates with their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives. Mr. Bright commented, “This partnership demonstrates KPMG’s profound environmental responsibility.”
Blessing Onyelekwe, ACI’s Partnership and Engagement Manager, revealed that ACI has been chosen as the implementing partner for the KPMG Oniru Beach clean-up initiative. Onyelekwe noted that KPMG recognized the significant positive impact ACI has had on the environment and subsequently joined forces to champion environmental sustainability.
“That is why Environment, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) have become a big thing for us at KPMG. We in KPMG, as part of connecting to that global journey have come up with our impact plan; that is our channel through which we are driving our strategy commitment toward the ESG”.
“There are four pillars: Planet, People, Prosperity, and Governance.
“I am specifically responsible for leading the planet pillar; and the planet pillar is looking at what we are doing in ensuring the sustainability of the environment for future generations.
“This has been a two-year journey and we are looking at the future; it is a long-term journey toward 2030 and beyond,” Nwankwo said.
The event’s primary goal was to underscore the importance of sustainable practices for both local residents and beachgoers. By embracing practices such as consistent environmental cleaning, recycling, and the reuse of recyclable materials, we collectively forge a legacy of an environmentally friendly habitat. This legacy, in turn, leads to an enhanced quality of life and improved economic prospects.
Association Seeks Blueprint on Solid Minerals for Efficient Mining Activities
The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to come up with an agenda on mineral resources for efficient mining activities across the country.
The President of MAN, Dele Ayanleke, said this in Abuja, at a news conference on the issue of state government’s interference in mining activities. Ayanleke said that so many legacies challenging the issue of state governments usurping the functions of constitutionally-recognised mining industry regulators started gaining momentum recently.
According to him, MAN would like to make a clarion call to the government on the need to come up with the agenda of its administration on the solid minerals sector. “On our part as a body of investors and operators, we shall reach out to the new administration soon with a blueprint of our contributions to a mining regime that will support the economic diversification agenda in pragmatic terms,” he said.
The President said that MAN, as the umbrella body of operators and investors in the sector, has never been in support of illegal mining operations under any guise. He said that the association is ready to partner with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a sanitised mining environment.
He expressed concern that some new governors have started issuing executive orders, either banning mining activities or attempting to regulate the sector. According to him, some of such states are Ebonyi, Osun, Enugu, Cross River, Taraba among others. “Taraba state government went as far as setting up a Task Force on illegal mining and deforestation with full authority to arrest, summarily prosecute and sentence anyone found culpable under its own laws.
“We are of the belief and conviction that the issue of illegality in the system must be appraised and confronted in whole. A situation where a group of stakeholders is being stigmatised as the perpetrators of illegality by the holders of coercive machinery of state, is totally unacceptable”.
“Drawing from the above, Taraba State Government, or any other state and local government for that matter, does not have the competence to determine the legality of any operator. Such competence resides with the ministry or any of its agencies, saddled with the various regulatory functions,” he said.
Ayanleke said that Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended and section 1(1) of the mining Act 2007, place the ownership of mineral resources and mining regulations in the Exclusive Legislative List. He said the constitution was made to address the socioeconomic and environmental concerns of the lower tiers of government.
“The Federal Government, through its appropriate agencies, is saddled with the oversight responsibility on any mining and minerals related issues; including, but not limited to mining titles administration. It is on this note that we hereby appeal to the Federal Government to call state governments to order by honouring their oath to defend and uphold the Constitution of the nation”.
“This is to engender an atmosphere of mining best practices so that local investors can contribute their quota to the economic development of the country and open windows for foreign investments,” he said.
The MAN President said that the importance of the meeting was not to vilify or wage war against any state government. He said that part of the association’s advocacy was to draw attention to a critical governance impediment militating against the solid minerals sector as a veritable option in the government economic diversification agenda.
“According to him, at a time when the whole world is thinking, talking and going green energy, our huge endowments in minerals needed to be among global actors.
“Nigeria cannot afford to help other nations develop their industries through mass exportation of our unprocessed solid minerals, while our citizens wallow in poverty.
“It is time our government takes a cue from the initiative of our founding fathers.
“Our founding fathers invented technologies that turned our agricultural resources into huge industrial development with attendant wealth creation in the post-independence First Republic. (NAN)