Polaris Bank has once again demonstrated its leadership in sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR), earning the prestigious Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility Awards (SERAS). The recognition was awarded at the 18th edition of the SERAS Awards held at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, over the weekend.
The SERAS Awards, renowned as Africa’s gold standard for sustainability and CSR, celebrate organizations driving impactful, innovative solutions that promote sustainable development. This year’s ceremony brought together business leaders, global sustainability experts, policymakers, and CEOs, highlighting Polaris Bank’s role in shaping Africa’s sustainable future.
Polaris Bank received the “Best in Rural Population Integration” award, recognizing its extensive portfolio of community-focused initiatives across Nigeria. These initiatives, aimed at improving living standards in rural and underserved communities, include:
– Sponsoring the planting of 2,000 economic trees in communities such as Ajingi in Kano State.
– Donating equipment and renovating the Ibeju-Lekki Skill Acquisition Centre.
– Installing boreholes in underserved communities to provide access to clean water.
– Delivering educational resources to over 15,000 indigent students in public secondary schools, ensuring continuous education in remote areas.
– Offering over a decade of free breast cancer screenings for 20,000 women and survivor retreats to reduce mortality rates.
– Establishing hospitals, rehabilitation centers for sexual violence victims, and vocational centers for women.
– Supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through medical outreach programs and significant donations.
The Bank’s Managing Director, Kayode Lawal, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing Polaris Bank’s commitment to sustainability. “Sustainability is not just a cliché; it is a journey. Our deliberate efforts in community development reduce the impact of climate change and enhance socio-economic outcomes,” he stated.
Polaris Bank’s recent reconstruction and reopening of its Sagamu branch, destroyed during the cash crunch riots, was also highlighted as a testament to its commitment to community resilience and economic recovery.
The SERAS recognition reaffirms Polaris Bank’s role as a trailblazer in sustainability and CSR, underlining its mission to uplift communities, foster economic growth, and champion innovative solutions for societal challenges.