Professionals task corporate entities on sustainability approach

Professionals in business have urged CEOs and corporate entities in the country to take a bold step in sustainability as this will in turn benefit the economy and the social strata.

This call was made at the International Sustainability Conference 2014 organised by FirstBank Sustainability Centre of Lagos Business School with the theme: “Leading a Sustainable Business”. The experts also implored Business CEOs to improve on SMART initiatives that would not only provide fortune for their businesses but to add value to the economy.

Speaking at the event in his keynote address, David Grayson, a professor from Cranfield University said “ Government have a crucial role to play in getting business to operate more sustainably through effective regulations that would strengthen the practice”. He also called for business owners to include sustainability into their plan.

Also, a four-man panel was set to discuss the topic “Embedding Sustainability Practices: Perspectives from forward looking companies”. Concepts trashed out were sustainable labour, community relations, energy and environmental management. The discussants were: Ivana Osagie, CEO, Notore Nigeria; Tonye Cole, CEO Sahara Group; Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, CEO FirstBank Nigeria and Chris Ogbechie, director, FBN Sustainability Centre. Speaking on sustainability, Cole said sustainability revolves around people.

“When we talk about sustainability and we did not talk about people we have missed the point completely,” said Tonye.

Talking about the role of banks in engendering sustainability business on the topic “Financial Inclusion and Sustainability” Temitope Akin-Fadeyi of CBN represented by Joseph Attah said “What we do today should not Jeopardise tomorrow’s prospects as well as the corporate good and harmony on society.”

BABATUNDE ADAMS