Omolabake Fasogbon
The importance of ethical and responsible corporate practice to societal development has been further highlighted at ‘Transforming Education’ summit that held in Lagos, recently.
According to experts who gathered at the summit organised by The Special Foundation, TSF, impoverishment has persisted in the country due to some irresponsible corporate actions that have deprived communities of needed growth.
According to the organisers, the summit is aimed at redefining the trajectory of education and leadership, while also celebrating the organisation’s remarkable milestones as well as partners who have been supportive of its goals and objectives.
Noting that the less privileged society often rely on private sector for good life, CEO of Sterling Bank, Mr Abubakar Suleiman opined that unfortunately, the same private sector had caused more harm than good to their dependants through irresponsible corporate behavior.
He asserted that privileged elites in the society are morally obliged to lift impoverished individuals, especially children, but not to aggravate their burden.
“This is not an act of benevolence but a solemn obligation. A significant issue within the corporate sector is the pursuit of success at the expense of society. Some corporate actions inadvertently contribute to the creation of impoverished communities.
“Then, after achieving success, they attempt to ameliorate the problems they have indirectly caused. This approach raises concerns, and I believe that corporations must build their enterprises responsibly, avoiding the creation of slums and societal impoverishment, “he said.
CEO of Unity Bank, Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun encouraged collaboration among key stakeholders to achieve greater good for the society and for a wider effects.
She said, “Individual efforts can be limiting as we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenges. Collaborations offer the advantage of diffusing emotional burdens, leading to more informed and intelligent decision-making. Together, we can achieve much more.”
Founder of TSF, Mr. Seyi Akinwale explained further that TSF exists to transform Africa’s future leaders by tackling the educational crisis in the society through increased access to education.
“Our mission is to transform Africa’s future leaders by tackling educational crisis in our society through increased access to education. What’s truly rewarding is our journey from a single child nine years ago to now impacting over fifteen thousand children and continuing to educate more than four hundred children. This success is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the institutions and individuals here today”, he said.
The summit features insightful discussions led by distinguished dignitaries across sectors as well as inspirational stories from beneficiaries of TSF.
