FirstBank Launches 2024 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Week
FirstBank, a premier financial institution in West Africa and a leader in financial inclusion services, has officially kicked off its 2024 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) Week, running from August 19 to 24. This annual event is designed to enhance the bank’s efforts in empowering communities, reducing environmental impacts, and advancing its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Now in its eighth year, the CR&S Week has become a hallmark of FirstBank’s commitment to corporate responsibility. This initiative not only allows the bank to demonstrate its dedication to positive social impact, but it also provides employees across its global network—including in Nigeria, the UK, Gambia, Sierra-Leone, DRC, Guinea, Ghana, and Senegal—an opportunity to contribute their time and resources to meaningful causes aligned with the bank’s strategic CR&S goals.
During the 2023 CR&S Week, FirstBank impacted over 30,000 lives through partnerships with more than 80 charities and NGOs across eight countries. This year’s edition is expected to build on that success, with a series of impactful activities planned throughout the week.
Key initiatives for the 2024 CR&S Week
Tree Planting, In collaboration with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), FirstBank will plant 30,000 trees across Nigeria, moving closer to its goal of planting 50,000 trees by 2025. This effort is part of the bank’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability.
Women Empowerment, The bank will support women living with Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) in Jigawa and Plateau States by driving awareness, performing surgeries, and providing post-care kits.
Visitation for Charity, FirstBank employees will visit orphanages, IDP camps, and other charities across Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa, and the UK, demonstrating the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting those at the bottom of the pyramid.
Throughout the week, FirstBank staff and management will promote a culture of compassion and civility by sharing kind comments, reinforcing the bank’s philosophy of kindness as a fundamental corporate value.
Reflecting on the importance of CR&S Week, Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said, “At FirstBank, we remain committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of our customers and the communities we serve. Our 2024 CR&S Week is a testament to this dedication, and we are excited to amplify our efforts in enabling the Giants in the lives of our communities and enhance sustainable development and community growth.”
Ani-Mumuney also called on others to join in the spirit of kindness, saying, “As we celebrate FirstBank’s Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Week, we invite all to embrace the spirit of kindness as we come together on this special occasion to weave kindness into the fabric of our daily lives, leaving a lasting impact on one another.”
With a legacy of over 130 years, FirstBank continues to be woven into the fabric of society, enabling success for its customers and communities alike. The 2024 CR&S Week is a clear reflection of the bank’s enduring commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, aligning with its strategic pillars and support for the Green Recovery Nigeria initiative.
