EY New Partnership: A Commitment to CSR and Sustainability

It is high time, everyone began to know that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability have become the life we all live every second. CSR and sustainability living have also become ingrained in corporate living to the extent that nothing is for fancy in the day-to-day running of an organizational.

In a strategic move that underscores its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability, EY Nigeria has announced the admission of five new partners to its West Africa partnership. CSR REPORTERS notes that this initiative not only strengthens the firm’s capabilities but also aligns with its broader goal of fostering sustainable development and responsible business practices.

Leadership and Strategic Vision

The new partners—Chinedu Onyekwelu, Abiodun Ogunoiki, Eunice Samson, Akeem Ogunseni, and Ahmed Dangana—bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to sustainability and CSR. Their appointments, effective July 1, 2024, reflect EY Nigeria’s strategic focus on building a team capable of driving significant impact in these critical areas.

Anthony Oputa, the Regional Managing Partner for EY West Africa, highlighted the importance of investing in personnel to achieve sustainable growth. He remarked, “I congratulate our new admission into the West Africa Partnership. Attaining this career milestone points to what each of them is bringing to the business. The latest admission is part of our efforts to continually invest in our personnel, and ensure we have the right mix to succeed in delivering exceptional services and meet our obligations to clients.”

Championing Sustainability and CSR

Eunice Samson: A leading figure in sustainability, Samson is a PhD scholar in Sustainable Development and the EY lead for climate change and sustainability services. Her extensive background includes roles as general manager and group head of sustainability in a leading FMCG and pioneer head of CSR and sustainability at a top-tier Nigerian bank. Her expertise in sustainable practices is expected to significantly bolster EY’s efforts in promoting responsible business practices. “Samson is a fellow of the National Institute of Credit Administration of Nigeria and a member of the institute’s governing council. She is also a fellow of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability,” noted EY.

Abiodun Ogunoiki: With 16 years of experience in risk management, Ogunoiki’s role extends beyond financial services. His work as a certified fraud risk manager and internal auditor emphasizes the importance of ethical practices and transparency, key components of CSR. His leadership in Financial Services Risk Management at EY West Africa is anticipated to further embed these principles into the firm’s operations.

Integrating Sustainable Practices Across Sectors

Chinedu Onyekwelu: Onyekwelu’s background in the oil and gas sector brings a crucial perspective to EY’s sustainability initiatives. With over 18 years of experience, he is well-positioned to drive sustainable practices in an industry often scrutinized for its environmental impact. “Chinedu brings his oil & gas knowledge and relationships in the sector to the partnership,” stated EY, highlighting the potential for impactful change.

Akeem Ogunseni: Ogunseni’s academic and professional journey reflects a dedication to excellence and ethical practices. His experience in tax, accounting, and payroll services for local and multinational firms positions him to influence sustainable financial practices within EY and among its clients.

Ahmed Dangana: Dangana’s expertise in financial and management consulting, coupled with his leadership in infrastructure finance and economic policy development, underscores his role in promoting sustainable economic growth. His recent role as Managing Director/CEO of Kano Electricity Distribution Company Plc illustrates his capacity to lead initiatives that balance economic performance with social responsibility.

A Commitment to the Future

EY Nigeria’s strategic partner admissions signify more than just a commitment to enhancing service delivery; they represent a concerted effort to integrate CSR and sustainability into the core of its operations. This approach ensures that EY not only meets its obligations to clients but also contributes positively to the broader community and environment.

As Anthony Oputa aptly put it, this initiative is part of EY’s continuous investment in its personnel to ensure it has “the right mix to succeed in delivering exceptional services and meet our obligations to clients.” This blend of expertise and dedication to sustainability is poised to drive EY Nigeria towards a future where business success and social responsibility go hand in hand.