By Ayomide Otitoju
Polaris Bank has added another accolade to its achievements, securing recognition at the 18th edition of the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility Awards (SERAS), Africa’s leading platform for Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The award ceremony, held at the Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, celebrated the bank’s impactful community interventions and unwavering commitment to sustainable development across Nigeria.
Polaris Bank received the “Best in Rural Population Integration” award, a testament to its extensive portfolio of initiatives aimed at improving lives in underserved communities. The SERAS Awards, widely regarded as Africa’s gold standard for CSR, honors organizations that drive innovation, impact, and excellence in advancing sustainable solutions.
Notable Achievements
Polaris Bank’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its numerous projects, including:
Sponsoring the acquisition and planting of 2,000 economic trees in communities like Ajingi, Kano State.
Renovating and donating equipment to the Ibeju-Lekki Skill Acquisition Centre.
Installing boreholes in underserved areas to provide access to clean water.
Delivering educational resources to over 15,000 indigent students, ensuring their continued access to education in remote areas.
Providing free breast cancer screening for 20,000 women over the past decade, alongside support programs for survivors.
Establishing hospitals and vocational centers for victims of sexual violence and supporting women’s empowerment initiatives.
Donating ICT laboratories and promoting financial literacy programs in schools.
Launching medical outreach programs and making significant contributions to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
These efforts have not only improved living standards but also curbed rural-to-urban migration by making communities more self-reliant and habitable.
Commitment to Community Resilience
In a recent demonstration of its commitment to resilience, Polaris Bank reopened its Sagamu branch, which had been destroyed during the cash crunch riots following the Naira redesign policy. The branch’s reconstruction marked a significant milestone for the community, restoring access to critical banking services and underscoring Polaris Bank’s role in driving economic recovery.
Leadership’s Commitment to Sustainability
Speaking on the award, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director, Kayode Lawal, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to impactful community projects.
“Sustainability is not just a cliché; it is a journey. Our commitment to socio-economic interventions reflects our deliberate efforts to address the impact of climate change and improve the well-being of people and the environment,” Lawal stated.
Celebrating Africa’s Sustainability Leaders
The event brought together an elite gathering of business leaders, sustainability experts, policymakers, and CEOs united in their vision of driving positive, lasting change across Africa.
As a trailblazer in sustainability, Polaris Bank continues to champion innovative solutions, uplift communities, and foster economic growth, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner in creating a better future for Nigeria and the continent.
