The bank’s dedication to this cause was evident during a visit to the Bethesda Home for the Blind in Surulere, Lagos, where they engaged in various acts of kindness and support. Speaking at the event, Mr. Oluseyi Olafeso, Executive Director of Retail Banking, South, who represented Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the CEO of FirstBank, emphasized the institution’s commitment to making a positive impact.
“For us at FirstBank, this has become a way of life, which we hold dearly. The act of touching lives and showing kindness to people and the environment goes beyond making money. We love to see a better humanity and environment, which is why we embark on this support initiative every year,” Mr. Olafeso stated.
The bank’s CSR activities reach beyond Nigeria to other African countries where it operates, including Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo, Cameroun, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The goal is to create a lasting impact in the regions by promoting acts of kindness and supporting local communities.
During the visit to the Bethesda Home for the Blind, FirstBank donated laptops and essential food items, including 50kg bags of rice, noodles, salt, and various beverages. However, the home also appealed for further assistance, particularly for a four-year-old child, Darasimi, who requires surgery to treat cancer of the eye.
The CEO, Dr. Adeduntan, and the bank were asked to do whatever they can to help save Darasimi’s life and provide her with the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.The Head Teacher of the Home, Ahmed Kareem, commended FirstBank for its support, highlighting the institution’s role in rehabilitating and reintegrating the blind into society.
Over the years, the home has supported numerous blind individuals in pursuing higher education, with many graduating with top honors from various tertiary institutions across the country.As a high point of the visit, the blind residents showcased their remarkable talents, including singing, dancing, and displaying various items and crafts they created from local and recycled materials.
This visit was just one of many during FirstBank’s CSR week, where they extended kindness and support to 48 other orphanages and homes for the less privileged across the country. The bank’s commitment to kindness, humanity, and the environment remains steadfast as it continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.