Before 2019, there was no media platform dedicated to analysing, reviewing and reporting activities of organizations and well-meaning with regards to Social Impact and Sustainability issues. Enter CSR REPORTERS with the sole mission to shine the light on those who are in the forefront of the laudable culture of helping to engender a more sustainable and equitable society.
Yes, there are various, and in fact, uncountable media outlets out there reporting news stories on various facets of life. And to their credit, they are all doing well in their various rights.
However, after a critical research, we discovered that of all these media platforms, none has really beamed and concentrated its searchlight on how organisations and individuals conduct their activities in relations to both their host communities, their internal publics and the country at large.
So, having identified that lacuna, we set out on a mission, to challenge the norm, to stand out from the crowd, to fill the void, to change the narrative and to bestow on Nigerians, a society that is both economically thriving and responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of its citizenry. And so, was the idea of a CSR Reporters born!
So, CSR Reporters was established to inspire and help organisations execute strategies targeted at embracing ethical and sustainable practices that contribute to the betterment of both the brand and the society at large.
Through insightful analyses and reporting our platform has continued to create awareness and inspire organizations to adopt sustainable and socially responsible initiatives.
From feedbacks, we have been and still playing pivotal role in shaping the narrative around corporate responsibility, influencing companies to embrace ethical practices that contribute to societal well-being.
We have consistently set ourselves apart as leaders in the CSR reporting domain, providing the opportunity that not only highlights corporate achievements but also encourages responsible business practices across the African continent.
CSR Reporters has played a critical role in elevating the importance of giving back to the community and implementing sustainable business practices. All these we have done in languages that are both appealing and compelling, and the results, we must confess, have been amazing.
So today, while we make room for improvement and continuous growth, we pride ourselves, in unequivocal terms, as Africa’s premier platform dedicated to promoting Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability.
Also on our stable is the annual Social Impact and Sustainability Awards (SISA), which has become a cornerstone event that recognises and celebrates the achievements of companies that excel in corporate responsibility.
We also have the Nonprofit Excellence Award that not only recognises prominent international NGOs, but also the smaller, lesser-known ones in remote areas, whose exemplary services and successes may have gone unnoticed and unappreciated at the national stage.
The different award platfofms honour deserving organizations and motivate others to integrate sustainable practices into their operations, thereby fostering a community of conscientious businesses committed to making a difference.
We must however state that it has not been a smooth ride all the way. Every journey in life has got its own challenges, we were not ignorant of that. Everybody that operates in a non-profit media space, be it print or broadcast, will admit that the terrain can be very tricky and bumpy. It is not an easy route to navigate.
We, like several others, have also had our share of it. But we waddled through it and still trudged on. There have been times, when the storms threaten to steal away the passion we have built from inception, but we refused to give up. We have already set on this audacious mission, there is no turning back.
Our tenacity and resilience through these few years, recently caught the eagle eyes of the world’s leading business awards body, renowned for identifying and celebrating outstanding contributions in various fields, who conferred on us with the prestigious 2024 Global Recognition Awards. The judging panel of the awards particularly acknowledged the CSR REPORTERS Chairman, Eche Munonye and his team for their unwavering commitment and pioneering efforts in reshaping the narrative of CSR and sustainability.
The award, they remarked, highlights the outstanding impact of CSR Reporters on over 100 organizations, inspiring them towards more impactful CSR initiatives and sustainable business practices.
Furthermore, they have this to say: “Their innovative approach to reporting and accountability in the CSR domain has filled a critical gap in the Nigerian media coverage, inspiring a wave of responsible business conduct among corporations.
“Before the inception of CSR Reporters, the achievements and efforts of organizations in sustainability and CSR were seldom spotlighted by the media. Munonye’s vision brought these stories to the forefront, encouraging a culture of transparency and responsibility that has garnered widespread acclaim and set a new standard in the industry.
“As a non-profit media house, the challenges of funding and sustaining such a pioneering project are immense. Yet, Munonye’s resilience and dedication have ensured its continuous impact and growth. This award recognises their tireless work, innovative approach, and leadership in transforming the landscape of CSR reporting.”
Further, they noted that the awarding of a 2024 Global Recognition Award to CSR Reporters was a celebration of their extraordinary impact on corporate social responsibility and sustainability in Africa.
On our part, we must tell you, Global Recognition Awards, that we appreciate this recognition and are not taking it for granted because it has further reinforced our belief in the transformative power of CSR in driving positive change in the business landscape.”
But beyond the awards, we can say that our efforts these five years have not been in vain as from the above testament, you will all admit it has led to tangible changes in how companies operate within their host communities.
As we celebrate the audaciouness of the past five years, we recognise the fact that the roads ahead are still laden with bumps, but we will go forward, irrespective.
