OUR EDITORIAL! A Salute to SISA 2024 Winners and Trailblazers

Yesterday, the glittering Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, played host to a truly inspiring event—the 2024 edition of the Social Impact & Sustainability Awards (SISA), organized by CSR Reporters.

SISA has become a bonfire of recognition for those who tirelessly champion Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability in Nigeria and beyond. This year’s awards ceremony once again affirmed that the values of altruism, corporate accountability, and sustainable development are alive and thriving across various sectors.

The evening was not just an awards ceremony, it was a celebration of impactful initiatives, transformative leadership, and the unyielding spirit of individuals and organizations committed to making the world a better place. From corporations to academic institutions, from faith leaders to social entrepreneurs, the SISA 2024 winners represent a tapestry of change-makers driving progress across diverse fronts.

The roll call of honourees at this year’s awards was as impressive as it was truly inspiring. Companies like Aradel Holdings PLC, IHS Towers Nigeria PLC, Leadway Assurance PLC, and Nestlé Nigeria PLC were lauded for their trailblazing projects that demonstrate the power of CSR to address social challenges. Seven-Up Bottling Company and Bet9ja Foundation were recognized for leveraging their platforms to create opportunities and uplift communities.

Educational institutions also took centre stage, with Caleb University showcasing the role of academia in driving societal progress. Organizations like ASR Africa, Seplat Energy PLC, and Lotus Bank Ltd demonstrated that the private sector can be a powerful force for good when aligned with sustainable goals.

High Chief Michael Onuoha, Chairman/CEO of Ailes Group; Alhaji (Dr.) Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder/Executive Chairman of BUA Group; Pastor (Dr.) D.K. Olukoya, General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Worldwide; and Dr. Ubon Udoh, Managing Director of ASR Africa, stood tall among individuals who have led transformative CSR efforts. Their leadership reminds us that individual visionaries often spark the change that reshapes communities.

This vote of thanks will not be complete if we did not mention that the highpoints of the evening. The 2024 SISA Awards were more than just accolades. They were a testament to the power of storytelling, inspiration, and collective action. The event’s high point was the launch of CSR Reporters Founder and Chairman Eche Munonye’s book, “From Philanthropy to CSR: The Evolution of Corporate Responsibility in Nigeria during the ceremony. The book serves as a clarion call for deeper commitment to sustainability and social impact, providing practical insights for CSR professionals and organizations aiming to align profit with purpose.

Another noteworthy moment was the induction of CSR and sustainability leaders into the inaugural “CSR Reporters Hall of Fame.” This new tradition pays homage to individuals and organizations that have consistently demonstrated excellence and dedication to social responsibility. By cementing their legacies, this Hall of Fame ensures that future generations have role models to look up to as they take up the mantle of sustainability.

Notable honourees like Festus Iyora, Country Manager at Wildlife Africa, and Dr. Kirti Sudhanshu, champion of SDG 5 (Gender Equality), exemplify the diversity of causes embraced by CSR advocates. Their work is a powerful reminder that sustainability extends beyond environmental initiatives, it encompasses social justice, community empowerment, and equitable opportunities for all.

Beyond Awards: A Rallying Call

While the evening was celebratory, it also served as a rallying call for more action. The achievements of the winners are indeed remarkable, but they also underline the vast scope of work still needed to address the pressing challenges of our time—climate change, poverty, gender inequality, and education, to name a few.

We enjoin all corporate bodies, academic institutions, and individuals to remain steadfast in their commitment to CSR. The world is at a pivotal juncture where collective action and responsible leadership can no longer be optional. The examples set by the 2024 SISA winners show that every effort counts and that the ripple effects of CSR can transform not just communities, but entire nations.

We urge other corporate entities to draw inspiration from these leaders and rethink their approach to social responsibility. True CSR is not about sporadic charity, it is about integrating social and environmental considerations into the fabric of business operations. This approach ensures that profit and purpose coexist harmoniously, creating value for stakeholders and society at large.