For four years in succession, I worked on the annual reports of this leading Nigerian bank. That including editing all main parts and contributing original copy related to the theme for each year’s report for the introduction and each of the sections, as they strove to become the continent’s most respected bank.
[Sample copy]
SUSTAINABILITY AT ACCESS BANK
In the last decade, the world has evolved and adopted the culture of responsibility and sustainability. Across organisations, policies and practices are being reviewed and new strategies developed towards shaping a future that is economically productive, environmentally protective and socially responsible.
It’s because the world is cognisant of the importance of adopting a culture that conserves resources, creates opportunities and develops sustainable solutions that protect lives and opportunities for future generations. Now more than ever, stakeholders are seeking accountability from organisations on the impact of their affairs on the environment, economy and society. Leadership in sustainability is globally paralleled with leadership in business and diplomacy, as global thought-leaders are expected to embed sustainability in their operations and activities. Sustainability has also been identified as directly impacting the profitability of businesses and governments on a global scale. It is clearly a valuable tool and key driver of economic and social development globally.
Access Bank, as an innovative leader in business, has identified the key risks, opportunities and values inherent in sustainable development, and since 2008 we have worked assiduously to restructure our business operations, redesign our policies and practices and develop new strategies that will build a truly sustainable institution. Our sustainability vision, when aligned with our corporate vision is “To be the most sustainable and respected bank in Africa, financing and facilitating brighter futures for all of our stakeholders through innovative services and best in class operations”.
We have achieved this by supporting vibrant and successful communities in every market we operate in: helping to drive out corruption, promote and protect human rights, and to ensure a healthy and rewarding working environment for our employees; facilitating and financing sustainable economic growth – leading the way in financial inclusion and education, helping develop enterprises and being at the forefront of sustainability regulation and thought leadership; and increasing the efficiency of our operations, minimising energy and resource consumption and mitigating any impacts on our environment. This has helped position us the leading financial institution in sustainability across the nation as well as in Africa.
As we mark a decade on our sustainability journey, we remain committed to setting standards for sustainable business practices whilst adopting innovative solutions to build a future that is desirable, as we become the World’s Most Respected African Bank.
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