Africa’s Premier CSR & Sustainability Publication Announces Winners of the 2022 Social Impact & Sustainability Awards

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

CSR Reporters, Africa’s premier Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability publication, has announced the winners of the 2022 Social Impact & Sustainability Awards (SISA), honoring organizations and individuals making transformative contributions to sustainable development in Nigeria and across Africa.

Held in Lagos, the well-attended ceremony followed a two-month rigorous evaluation process led by a distinguished committee of CSR and sustainability experts from across Africa. Now, in its third edition, the Awards have become a national benchmark of prestige and continental recognition, spotlighting excellence in CSR, sustainability, and social impact.

The 2022 Awards carried the theme, “Building a Prosperous and Sustainable Economy: The Role of Leadership.” The theme was particularly significant as Nigeria approaches a crucial election year, serving as a timely reminder of the importance of sustainability-focused leadership in shaping the nation’s future.

Speakers at the event stressed that sustainability and sustainable development are no longer optional but central to Nigeria’s—and Africa’s—progress, calling for leaders in both public and private sectors to embed social impact, good governance, and environmental stewardship into their decision-making.

Winners among the notable organizations recognized across corporate categories were: Zenith Bank, Okomu Oil Palm, Port Harcourt Electricity, Eleme Petrochemical, IHS Nigeria Plc, Olam Agri, Union Bank, NIMASA, NPA, Dangote Cement, BUA Group, Nigerian Breweries, SPDC, Pinnacle O&G, Anchor Insurance, GB Foods, MTN Nigeria, ACT Foundation, Airtel Nigeria, and MOJEC Group.

Honorees in the individual categories included: Mr. Jim Ovia, Engr. Simbi Wabote, Mr. Aby Iderawumi, Dr. Olumide Emmanuel, Ms. Ini Abimbola, Mr. Emeka Oparah, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, Ms. Fatimah Bolarinwa, Dr. Jayne Onwumere, Engr. Victor Ochei, Mr. Tunde Folawiyo, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Engr. Ifeoma Okengwu, and Dr. Philip Mshelbila.

The SISA Awards span 30 categories across four broad pillars: Sustainability, Social Impact, and CSR, with the most anticipated categories once again drawing the spotlight.

Person of the Year (The “Star Award”) in which previous winners include Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu (2020) and Barrister Allen Onyema (2021). For 2022, the honor went to Mr. Tony Elumelu, who secured over 75% of votes, affirming his role as Africa’s most impactful philanthropist of the year.

The Lifetime Achievement Award this year went to Mr. Jim Ovia, Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, for his enduring contributions to philanthropy, business leadership, and national development while Sustainable Development Leadership Award, a highly contested category reserved for pioneers of sustainability standards across Africa went to Ms. Fatimah Bolarinwa as the 2022 winner with the highest number of nominations and votes. The 2021 recipient was Mr. Eustace Onuegbu, a leading name in CSR and sustainability research.

The 2022 SISA Awards reinforced the urgent need for sustainability-driven leadership in Nigeria and Africa, recognizing changemakers who are proving that responsible business, social impact, and sustainable development are the keys to building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous continent.