THIS was the theme of this year’s annual lecture organised by Stanbic IBTC Plc, a member of the Standard Bank Group, in partnership with Hope Worldwide, a global non-governmental organisation. This joint effort is designed to advance a corporate social responsibility (CSR) platform that optimizes value for all stakeholders. This is expected to help pave the path to social change and economic development.
The theme of this year’s lecture, “Corporate Social Responsibility: Beyond Rhetorics” is informed by the need to examine the practical and strategic application of CSR to achieving socio-economic development.
Chris Newson, chief executive officer of Stanbic IBTC said that as a member of Africa’s biggest banking groups that enjoys considerable global presence, the bank is continually striving to create relationships that go beyond the bottom line, to the engagement of communities to positively impact the lives of the people.
“The Standard Bank Group’s CSR philosophy is anchored on three platforms: our business, our community and our environment. The three are interwoven to achieve and sustain positive social development of the communities where we operate and even in some communities where we do not yet have business activities. Through strategic interventions in such communities, we help to create opportunities for the social and economic development of the people therein,” he added.
Newson said such conviction underscores Stanbic IBTC corporate social investment major focus areas, which include education, health and economic empowerment. He said the lecture was conceived as part of HOPE worldwide Nigeria’s desire to sensitize the different sectors of the economy on the need for concerted effort to help Nigeria achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 as outlined by the United Nations.
The lecture, among others, emphasized a greater involvement in socio-economic development by the organised private sector in Nigeria; educate participants on contemporary global strategy for implementing CSR initiatives; evolve an indigenous strategy for CSR implementation; advance a multi-sectoral approach to CSR implementation and management and to recognize and reward individuals and corporate organizations who have been exemplary in CSR initiatives.
Mr. Antonio Boyd, Vice President, Hope Worldwide delivered lecture during which he urged Nigerians  both  corporate and individual levels  to inculcate the sense of social responsibility. He emphasized the importance of volunteerism, adding that corporate bodies should encourage their employees to participate in volunteer services.
Dr Christopher Kolade, who chaired the event, advised Nigerians to show sense of responsibility at individual levels. He said CSR is not for corporate organisations alone, individuals are also to be involved.