Corporate Citizenship
Premium Steel & Mines redefines CSR approach
Of the many definitions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the one articulated by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development is very pertinent to contemporary Nigeria, Premium Steel & Mines Limited (PSML) has said.
According to the firm in a statement, CSR is the continuing commitment of businesses to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large.
Premium Steel & Mines Limited (PSML), a company that integrates proactive CRS policies in its business plan and strategy with a long-term vision to achieve sustainable growth for the company and to align private returns with social returns.
PSML, formerly known as the Delta Steel Company, is an integrated steel plant located in Warri, Delta State, and is at the forefront of kick-starting the steel sector in Nigeria. The steel sector is vital to the Industrialisation of Nigeria and to the diversification of the country’s economy. PSML’s current investments into the steel plant and its future expansion plans have the potential to make it one of the largest integrated steel manufacturers in the country – offering a portfolio of high quality finished steel products.
PSML’s clear-cut and proactive CSR policy allows for the prompt implementation of its CSR strategy that is hinged on four key themes: youth empowerment, access to quality education, healthcare improvement, and poverty alleviation. PSML’s CSR policy is supported by a dedicated annual budget and key objectives to:
Enhance relationships with all stakeholders – government, the media, civil society groups, community leaders – through the implementation of a well-defined CSR agenda;
Support the socio-economic development of its host community; and
Be heard and seen as a driver for implementing greener business operations.
PSML’s CSR projects fall under the following themes / program categories:
Employability Trainee Programs
Scholarship Funds and Education Programs
Youth Empowerment Programs
Healthcare Intervention Programs
PSML has been successfully executing its CSR projects through a structured engagement of its host community through the Community Development Associations (CDA) by working closely with their representatives to discuss implementation strategies for the CSR projects. A key element of the implementation strategy for CSR projects is to not only provide social benefits for the host communities, but to also create employment opportunities by hiring indigenous contractors, recommended by the local community, to implement these projects.
Recent successful project implement through the use of indigenous contractors include the renovation of the Ovwian Primary School and the Technical College that were rehabilitated and received a complete overhaul to make them congenial to learning.
In addition, brand new schools haven been built to bring education closer to distant communities. This approach has also seen health facilities built, furnished, and equipped to support the health requirements of the Aladja community.
To complement the renovation of the educational facilities discussed above and to increase the access to education, PSML donated a 30-seater bus each to the local Primary School and the Technical High School – thereby facilitating the daily transport of students to school on a timely basis. This initiative has substantially reduced the level of absenteeism and contributed to an increase in attendance of students at the schools – a key indicator of future academic success.
Primary school is a critical stage in a child’s development and missing school or arriving late due to lack of adequate transportation can have lasting consequences on a child’s educational success and career prospects later in life. In addition, the level of material covered in primary school curricular has increased substantially; hence, compounding the negative effects of missing school during these formative years of a child’s education. Furthermore, research has linked chronic absenteeism to lower achievement in math and reading skills, an increase in problem behavior and difficulty in obtaining a score of “proficient” for admission to secondary and technical schools or to higher education institutions such as a university.
According to Mr. Prasanta Mishra, Chief Executive Officer of PSML, “We came to the realization that lack of access to adequate transportation was one of the main factors that contribute to chronic absenteeism, keeping students out of school, and thereby leading to huge gaps in their learning curve, ultimately leading to low overall academic performance”. This according to him led the organisation to ask itself “what do we do and how can we intervene?” The provision of comfortable and safe daily transportation to and from the school was an obvious answer.
Commenting on the donation, the Assitant Head Teacher of the Ovwian Primary School said: “This is the beginning of a new dawn for the primary education department in our community. PSML started by giving us this thirty-seater bus. This a feat that has never happened in the history of primary education here in Ovwian. This is the first bus; the first of many.”
In today’s classrooms, computers are being increasingly used as a tool to deepen student learning and enhance the teaching-learning process. The new model of integrating technology into the curriculum means that computers are in high demand throughout the school day. Where computers are readily available, the teachers and administrators are faced with the task of developing a plan that makes the most effective and efficient use of the computer technology available to them. However, in schools that lack computer facilities, students lack the opportunity to learn critical computer skills in order to prepare them for today’s technology-driven workplace.
This was the thrust behind the decision by PSML to establish Computer Labs in the local Primary and Secondary school in the Aladja community to ensure that teachers can use computer technology to help students learn more easily and faster and it has benefitted the students by helping them develop computer skills, critical for the success of the pupils who represent the future on Nigeria.
The Computer Labs have benefited the students by exposing them to the latest computer technology for learning purposes. Mishra commented that, “While at the school, I observed teachers and students using the computers to write correspondence and print it without assistance. They would not have been able to do this before. The teachers and students in the schools now know what a computer looks like and can use them, albeit in a limited way by modern standards. This was not the case on the first trip when they had never seen a mouse or keyboard before. Students at the school were excited by our visit, lining the walls and windows of the computer room waiting for a turn to use them. The school was very proud to have the computer.”
PSML’s initiatives in the healthcare space include the provision of potable water via boreholes for the schools which had hitherto been a cause of concern and an inefficient use of students’ time since they had to leave the school premises in search of clean water. Mrs Dezzy Ighomi, a head teacher of Ovwian Primary School commented, “The water that was provided has gone a long way to helping the children, [stopping] the pupils from moving in and out of the school in search of good drinkable water, and our facilities like the toilets have been made cleaner and neater, with water flowing, everybody is happy. Even the community they are in one way or the other benefiting from it because they also come to fetch and use for their household.”
According to PSML, its CSR strategy is not just about philanthropy; it’s about being responsible corporate citizens and defining its role towards society by taking a lead in terms of the health and safety of its workforce, promoting diversity and human rights, implementing strict rules of corporate governance, optimizing the use of natural resources in an environmentally responsible manner, and engaging in a comprehensive and transparent dialogue with all stakeholders. The company inspires to take a lead in designing appropriate and pioneering CSR programs and to make CSR an important component of the new wave of economic activity that is required for the economic development and industrialization of Nigeria.
Corporate Citizenship
LG Electronics Commissions Solar-Powered Boreholes in Two Communities in Port Harcourt
LG Electronics announces the commissioning of solar-powered boreholes in the Nkpogu and Elekahia communities in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. This initiative reflects LG’s continued commitment to sustainable development, community empowerment, and improving basic living conditions for underserved populations.
The newly installed boreholes are powered by solar energy, ensuring a reliable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective water supply. The solar-powered system eliminates dependence on diesel generators and Nigeria’s often unstable power grid, allowing the boreholes to operate consistently with minimal maintenance costs. This innovative project supports LG’s mission to create a better life through technology while minimizing environmental impact.
“LG Electronics is honored to support the Nkpogu and Elekahia communities with a solution that addresses a fundamental need – access to clean water. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve,” said Hari Elluru, Head of corporate Marketing, at LG Electronics Nigeria. “We hope that this project will significantly improve daily living standards, reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, and provide these communities with a reliable source of clean water.”
The Clean Water Initiative by LG Electronics Nigeria is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for communities in need. By addressing the fundamental necessity of clean water, this initiative aims to improve daily living standards and plays a crucial role in reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases that threaten public health. Through its dedication to corporate social responsibility and sustainability, LG Electronics is paving the way for a future where access to reliable clean water is no longer a privilege but a fundamental right for all. This holistic approach not only reflects the company’s values but also inspires hope and encourages collective action towards a healthier, more sustainable environment for every individual, he said.
Chieftains, local community leaders and members of both communities including the school authorities were also present at the ceremony, acknowledging LG’s efforts in supporting community development in Port Harcourt. In remarks made by Eze (Hon) Okechukwu Abbey, Eze Nchemini of Rebisi & Secretary, Port Harcourt city council of traditional rulers, he expressed gratitude for LG’s tangible support in improving essential infrastructure, thus contributing to economic and social progress in the community.
The installation of the solar-powered boreholes builds on LG Electronics’ broader vision of driving sustainable development and fostering social impact in all its markets. The company has pledged to expand similar projects across Africa as part of its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment.
In his Opening Speech, Branch Manager, Fouani Nig. Ltd, Mr. Mahmoud Youssef said “Access to clean and safe drinking water is fundamental to health and well-being. Water keeps you hydrated, it flushes out toxins, sends nutrition around your body, and aids in digestion. By using solar energy, this project will remain efficient and cost-effective over time, ensuring that Nkpogu has a reliable water source for many years to come.” He emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining the system, stating that local residents would be trained to manage and oversee the operations. “Together, we can create a sustainable future where every household has access to this vital resource,” he concluded, inspiring hope among the attendees.
The project aligns with Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. LG Electronics believes that by investing in clean water solutions, it is not only supporting healthier communities but also contributing to a sustainable future.
The overwhelming enthusiasm demonstrated by community members and students reflects a collective spirit that thrives on collaboration and generosity. Their eagerness to engage with the project highlights not only the importance of community involvement but also the profound impact that shared resources can have on local initiatives. The satisfaction expressed over the donated items underscores a strong sense of gratitude and appreciation, further galvanizing support for future endeavors.
Together, these elements reveal a vibrant community poised for growth, driven by a shared vision and an unwavering commitment to enhancing their environment. This dynamic interplay of excitement, gratitude, and active participation serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when individuals unite for a common cause.
Corporate Citizenship
Heirs Insurance Group Announces Winners of N8 Million Essay Championship Scholarship
L:R- Charles Odii DG, SMEDAN; Alhaji Misbau Umar Yola, Non-Executive Director, Heirs General Insurance; Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO, Heirs Life Assurance and the Group’s Sector Head; Hephzibah Chidi, Winner, 2024 Heirs Insurance Essay Championship; Tony Aniemeke, MD/CEO, Heirs Insurance Brokers and Ifesinachi Okpagu, Chief Marketing Officer, Heirs Insurance Group.
Heirs Insurance Group, Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance Group, has announced the winners of its 2024 Essay Championship, who will be awarded N8million scholarship. The winners were announced at a grand ceremony at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, as part of an all-expense paid event hosted by the Group for the finalists, their parents and school representatives.
The winner, Hephzibah Chidi from Seacrest Preparatory in Rivers State, who won the first-place position and a N5million scholarship, captivated the judges with her winning essay and presentation of “The Story of My Hero”. In addition to her N5M Scholarship, Hephzibah Chidi’s school, Seacrest Preparatory was awarded a N1M grant to support an educational project.
The other winners include Pemisire Owolabi from Quest College in Oyo State, who won second place with a N2million scholarship, and Mariam Raheem from Isador Model School in Lagos State, who won the third-place position with a N1million scholarship.
All winners received their awards in the presence of their parents and school representatives, distinguished guests, including, Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, and hosts of the event – Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO, Heirs Life Assurance and the Group’s Sector Head; Tony Aniemeke, MD/CEO, Heirs Insurance Brokers, among others.
This year’s Championship attracted nearly 5,000 participants from Junior Secondary Schools nationwide, all showcasing exceptional creativity and innovative ideas. The Championship highlights Heirs Insurance Group’s unwavering commitment to supporting education and promoting financial literacy.
Speaking at the event, Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO, Heirs Life Assurance and Sector Head, Heirs Insurance Group, said: “At Heirs Insurance Group, we understand that education is not only a pathway to a better future but also a catalyst for financial empowerment. Through this Championship, we are nurturing young talent and bridging the financial literacy gap, fulfilling our purpose of improving lives and transforming Nigeria”.
Speaking further, Onifade praised the outstanding efforts of all participants, “I am proud of the creativity and critical thinking displayed by our finalists, as well as every student who submitted an essay. These young minds are shaping the future of our country, and we are proud to support them.”
A distinguished panel of academic professionals, led by a Professor of English, rigorously evaluated each entry. The top 15 essays advanced to the next round of assessments, from which the top 3 finalists were chosen to compete in the grand finale. To ensure the highest standards of fairness and transparency, Deloitte & Touche was engaged as an independent Quality Assurer throughout the grading process, guaranteeing a free and fair evaluation for all participants.
The Heirs Insurance Essay Championship is a key component of Heirs Insurance Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, geared towards enhancing the quality of education for the next generation. The Championship also highlights emerging talent, bringing parents and children closer to insurance through extended financial literacy workshops.
Corporate Citizenship
ATIDI Supports Education for Displaced Children in Burundi through its CSR Program
The African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) has announced a financial contribution of $40,000 to Street Child in Burundi. This contribution is aimed at improving educational opportunities for displaced children in Gatumba and reflects ATIDI’s dedication to tackling critical social issues and promoting sustainable development. Through its CSR programs, ATIDI is committed to advancing sustainable development, addressing pressing social challenges, and fostering economic stability across Africa.
Burundi has recently experienced severe climate change-related disasters, including heavy rains, strong winds, hail, and rising Lake Tanganyika waters, causing frequent flooding. This has led to repeated displacement of families, particularly affecting children and adolescents who represent over 60% of internally displaced persons. The education sector has been severely impacted, with at least 80% of schools in Gatumba suffering from flooding, damaged classrooms, and lost educational materials, putting over 30,000 children at risk of not completing their school year.
Commenting on the donation, ATIDI CEO Manuel Moses said, “Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development, and we at ATIDI are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in Burundi. By supporting the construction of these classrooms, we are investing in the future of these young minds and fostering long-term growth across the continent. We are proud to partner with Street Child Social Action for Development (S.A.D.) for this vital project.”
ATIDI’s support has therefore facilitated the successful construction and equipping of six permanent classrooms in two primary schools, “Kigwati” and “Village du Développement.” This initiative now provides educational access to at least 300 children affected by the Gatumba floods. The project aligns with Burundi’s National Development Plan for 2018 -2027 and the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research’s Sectoral Plan for 2020 – 2023.
Street Child Country Representative in Burundi Jolien Van den Broeck thanked ATIDI for the generous support, adding that the donation was more than just building classrooms, but restoring hope and creating opportunities for displaced children in Gatumba.
“At Street Child, we believe that every child deserves the chance to learn, no matter their circumstances. Together with ATIDI, we are committed to making a lasting impact on the most vulnerable communities in Burundi,” Broeck said.
Beyond constructing classrooms, the project emphasizes the promotion of education for all children, community mobilization, and active participation in regular and effective monitoring. The objective is to ensure that the local community, administration, and stakeholders understand the merits of the project, fostering a sense of ownership. This collaborative approach will engage all parties in monitoring the school’s functioning and maintenance, resulting in a sustainable impact and guaranteeing quality education for all.
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