Ogbolu tasks firms on corporate citizenship

Head, Compliance Division, Vmobile, Mr. Martins Ogbolu, has said that the mark of good corporate citizens is its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and decried lack of welfare in the scheme of things in the country.

He made this assertion at joint workshop organized by the British Council and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) recently.

He said that CSR programme is a critical factor for success and sustainable community relationship for corporate organisations.

Noting that corporate organisations through their CSR programmes could help to change the lives of many Nigerians, stressing that Vmobile through its CSR programme has brought succour to many families and communities in various parts of the country.

Mr. Ogbolu pointed out that CSR is mandatory for government and it is also desirable for corporate citizens.

He lamented that Nigeria is a non-welfare state where little is done about the welfare of the citizenry due to the huge burden it places on the government, “therefore it becomes imperative for corporate bodies in Nigeria to engage in vigorous CSR activities.”

Mr. Ogbolu further said Vmobile is campaigning ethical business practices through its Compliance Code, which all its suppliers must adhere to.

“We believe as our suppliers conform to the Compliance Code, we will be building entrepreneurs who do business in a responsible manner that benefits every member of the community,” he asserted.

Director of the Lagos Business School, Prof Pat Utomi, noted that CSR is all about corporate bodies concerns for society first before its shareholders.

“A firm that wants to be around for a long time must ensure that the society where it operates is in good shape,” the educationist said.

He predicted that in the future, corporate organisations that do not have a healthy corporate social responsibility programme would be snubbed by prospective employees and customers alike.

Minister of Industries, Ambassador Fidelis Tapgun in his remarks commended the efforts of the organizers of the workshop, saying it would help to sensitize all stakeholders.