Fidelity Bank Creating Green Environment Culture
From Benjamin a ameh, Lagos
We are creating a sustainable society; one that will balance economic and social needs as well as environmental realities
Fidelity Bank at the weekend received the Green Era Award in recognition of the bank’s green initiatives. Event took place during a gala night in Germany at the 2014 Green Economy Forum, where organizers, Association Other Ways Management & Consulting, disclosed that Fidelity Bank was adjudged the winner of the award having come tops in all the parameters set for the award.
Exclusively, they said that the Bank’s drive for long term economic development; contribution to reduction in greenhouse emissions and ability to manage environmental risks in customers’ businesses among others led to adjudged.
According to the source, the Green Era Award and Economic Forum was set up 15 years ago to recognize true global sustainable exemplars including government institutions, green building councils, environmental agencies and green companies that have been innovative and creative in pursuing the sustainable imperatives.
In response to the award, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo, thanked the organisers of the event for honouring the Bank. Receiving the award on behalf of managing director, the Head, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Chris Nnakwe, said the award is a testament to the consistent, persistent and commitment the Bank made in its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability practice towards a sustainable environment.
Okonkwo stated that Fidelity, as a “Green Bank” has consistently explored ways of making a difference towards a sustainable future. “Through our tripod CSR philosophy – Environment, Education and Health/social welfare, we are creating a sustainable society; one that will balance economic and social needs as well as environmental realities”. Making allusion to the climate change and the depletion of the ozone layer, Okonkwo said that Fidelity Bank has started addressing the global problem through the CSR and sustainability banking practice already in place in the bank.
The bank described its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) stance as a reflection of its commitment to making positive social impact in every community where it operates. “We are committed to creating enduring partnerships for sustainable development; building immense value to our diverse host communities in the process,” said the statement.
The bank’s CSR practice rests on a trip which includes the environment, education, health/social welfare.
The bank used the occasion to explain further that it believes that giving back to the less privileged members of the host communities is a prerequisite for the overall development of the country, saying this belief has been the driving force behind our support for various initiatives over the years.
To achieve this, the bank said it strives to reinforce strong community relations by identifying with host communities in activities that are important to them; and maintain high standards of integrity in its relations with state governments and host communities. It also strives to play a leading role by identifying with and seeking solutions to the problems of society especially those in our immediate operational environment.
Over the years, the bank has supported initiatives aimed at identifying and promoting the preservation, protection and beautification of the environment. For instance, the bank works in collaboration with public institutions (state and local governments) to create and maintain green parks in chosen locations.
For instance: beautification of the Falomo Roundabout in Lagos State, in partnership with the Lagos State Government, is a typical example of what the bank seeks to achieve in the area.
Furthermore, we have successfully executed several similar beautification projects in some states across the country. These include Onikan, Milverton, Dopemu and Matori Roundabouts in Lagos State; Rivers State University of Technology (RSUT) Port Harcourt in Rivers State; Rangers Avenue Junction Enugu in Enugu State; Mbaise Road Owerri in Imo State; Abia Towers in Umuahia, Abia State; Krika Sama Roundabout in Maiduguri State; Secretariat Junction in Ibadan, Oyo State and Itam Peace Column, Akwa Ibom State among others.
“Fidelity Bank also supports the Central Bank of Nigeria Financial Literacy campaign to reach the unbanked and deepen the economy by donating books, holding annual lectures at some select secondary schools and generally providing financial education to young Nigerians.
“The Bank reassured it continues to support the cause of the less-privileged members of the community in their efforts to overcome disability and integrate with the larger society.TheGuardian
