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•We remain committed to achieving better Nigeria –CEO
By Chukwuma Umeorah
Lagos stood still penultimate Sunday to celebrate the remarkable achievements of The Sun Media Development Foundation, a non-profit arm of The Sun Publishing Limited, owners of The Sun newspapers.
The occasion was the CSR Reporters Social Impact and Sustainability Awards (SISA) 2023. It was a night dedicated to acknowledging organisations and individuals committed to societal development through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
At the event, The Sun Media Development Foundation shone brightly as it clinched two prestigious awards: the Community Champion of the Year and the Non-Profit Leader of the Year, which was bestowed upon the foundation’s executive director, Mr. Victor Emeruwa.
The recognition was not just a testament to the foundation’s outstanding commitment but also a nod to Emeruwa’s visionary leadership in upholding high corporate social standards.
The Sun Media Development Foundation was established in 2022 with the aim of responding to various developmental issues in Nigeria.
From the outset, the foundation defined its roles and responses to issues of basic education, primary healthcare, human rights, climate change, food security, women inclusion and environmental issues. Its focus is majored on reflecting the challenges of vulnerable people, especially those living in far-to-reach communities across ‘forgotten’ villages in Nigeria.
In just one year, The Sun Media Development Foundation has shown tremendous efforts at responding to issues at the grassroots, reaching into communities to build human capacities and empowerment support for the needy. It has worked in communities in Kaduna, Ondo and Ebonyi states.
One of many instances was the reconstruction of an aged woman’s home in Akpoha, Afikpo, Ebonyi. Akpoha is a farming community in Ebonyi State, which was severely flooded during the 2022 rainy season. The flood washed away many homes and farms owned by women, leaving them traumatized and financially destressed.
The Sun Media Development Foundation’s response was commendable. Working with government agencies in the state, the foundation built capacity of more than 300 women on climate change resilience and adaptation. In addition, the foundation helped the women rebuild their homes and escalated their challenges to their state government.
Part of its outstanding area of focus is in its participation in national policy. To date, The Sun Media Development Foundation has produced four national solution-based policies in the area of education, health services, climate action and poverty reduction.
The policies are part of its governance-strengthening programmes to assist governance and leadership serve public interest. The foundation is also partnering with other non-governmental organisations as well as the National Assembly to further strengthen governance and leadership in Nigeria.
Through the foundation’s Voice of Change, it reaches out to the underprivileged in communities where its projects are sited, providing assistance, capacity development and rebuilding communities.
As an offshoot of a leading national newspaper, the foundation, through rigorous research, in-depth reporting and effective storytelling, raises awareness, educates the public and inspires action aimed at promoting health and creating a safer environment for all individuals, irrespective of social status or disabilities.
With its programmes spread across Nigeria, covering over 15 states since its establishment, the foundation has impacted positively on the lives of over 54,000 people and communities through coordinated and effective implementation of various CSR initiatives.
Some of its programmes include Primary Health Advocacy. It is a robust initiative that strives to address the critical issues surrounding the primary healthcare system in Nigeria with a strong emphasis on accountability with key focus to expose corruption within the healthcare system by closely scrutinizing financial records and monitoring the allocation and utilization of funds. It ultimately aims improve the overall health outcomes of communities and states throughout Nigeria.
The foundation is committed to reducing the over eight million of out-of-school children (about 12 per cent of the 62 million in sub-Saharan African) and upholding the fundamental human right to education by interventions at the underlying causes such as poverty, particularly in marginalized and disadvantaged communities. Through persistent efforts and collaborations, it is possible to overcome these obstacles and work towards fulfilling the right to education for all.
The foundation is also involved in environmental rights campaign. Through increased awareness on the impact of human activities, waste disposal, plastic pollution, deforestation, industrialization and oil spillage, among others on the environment. Knowing that climate change remains the biggest existential threat to humans and the planet particularly to vulnerable communities, the foundation, through media participation, sets the agenda and demands action from government and the policy community.
Food security and safety advocacy are part of the foundation’s focus. In response to these pressing challenges, the foundation recognizes the importance of adopting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices to ensure food sufficiency in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Spreading the valuable message of embracing modern technologies and innovative farming methods can enhance agricultural productivity, conserve water resources, and reduce the environmental impact of farming. By investing in research and development, as well as capacity-building initiatives, it aims to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to adapt to a changing climate and bolster their food production capabilities, advocating for policy changes and support by government.
Other initiatives actively carried out by the foundation include addressing gender-based violence, primary health initiatives and advocacy on financial inclusion for women and human rights abuse, among others.
The award ceremony, which held at the prestigious Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together a diverse array of individuals, companies and organizations, each with a shared goal of making a positive impact on Nigerian society. Under the theme, “Leveraging Effective CSR for Sustainable National Development,” the event was the fourth edition of SISA, organized by CSR Reporters.
Emeruwa, the foundation’s CEO, was represented by Chychy Ezenwa, a senior officer at the organisation. Gratitude filled the air as the awards were received, with Emeruwa expressing humility in the face of recognition.
“Our commitment is towards achieving a better Nigeria. We are honoured, and we will do more for society,” he said.
The acknowledgment at SISA 2023 served as both validation and motivation for The Sun Media Development Foundation to continue its mission of making a tangible difference in the lives of Nigerians.
The highlight of the evening was not only about awards as it also marked the unveiling of a significant research document, “CSR 50,” developed by CSR Reporters. Eche Munonye, the CEO, and editor-in-chief, explained that the document showcased 50 organizations and individuals contributing to building a better society.
Divided into four sections—Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability, Corporate Philanthropy, Nonprofit Impact, and Individual Philanthropy, the research document highlighted those embedding international sustainability best practices in their business and philanthropic approaches.
Munonye emphasized the importance of recognizing organizations that excel in CSR, presenting them as models to inspire others.
“By acknowledging those who operate with a focus on the three pillars of Sustainable Business Practice; Social, Economic, and Environmental, it would spur other companies, organizations, and individuals to follow similar paths,” he said.
Other notable organizations received recognition for their various contributions. Aiico Insurance Plc was lauded as the Sustainable Insurance Company of the Year, Nascon Allied Industrial secured the title of Best Health Safety Company of the Year, and IHS Towers was celebrated as the Quality Service Delivery and Sustainable Partner of the Year, among other recipients.
