Impacting host Communities through CSR interventions
THE GUARDIAN
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly relevant as a developmental tool with a phenomenal increase in the number of business organisations’ interventions in their host communities in recent times.
Described in a broad term as a company’s efforts to improve quality lives, CSR is undeniably not only important to companies, nonprofits and employees but also to the communities.
The crux of CSR objectives is hinged on improving the overall well-being of targeted stakeholders and members of host communities through the provision of sustainable projects like access to healthcare, improved economic activities and employment generation among others.
CSR involves a range of activities such as, working in partnership with local communities, socially responsible investments (SRI), developing relationships with employees and customers, as well as environmental protection and sustainability.
Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Sagamu, Assistant Corps Commander Iyanda Taofiq (4th left), during the presentation of plaque to management of International Breweries Plc. as an outstanding stakeholder, in recognition of its dedication and commitment to ensuring safety on highways.
Accordingly, its neglect by business organisations could result in conflicts, which may hinder the achievement of stated objectives of the business firm. Most organisations from time immemorial have carried out different CSR activities in their various host communities with huge amounts earmarked for such remarkable projects.
One of such organisations is the International Breweries Plc., which through its CSR projects, won multiple awards last year and has been recognised on many fronts for its CSR interventions across Nigeria. Part of the firm’s recognition was clinching the 2020 Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Responsibility (SERAS) Infrastructure Development Award, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Recognition and Advertising Association of Nigeria Awards for Excellence (ADVAN) Community Heroes Award.
The multiple awards during the period positioned the firm as an outstanding stakeholder, considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected not just Nigeria but countries all over the world.
For the SERAS CSR Awards, an annual business award organised to recognise and reward corporate social responsibility and sustainability on the African continent, the firm clinched the award for Best Company in Infrastructure Development in recognition of its commitment to development through the provision of infrastructural facilities for its host communities.