CSR report 2010 - etisalat Nigeria

2010 CSR Report
Contents
02
Message from the CEO
04
What is CSR reporting?
06
Stakeholder Engagement
07
Our business at a glance
10
CSR at Etisalat
13
Education
21
Health
24
Environment
26
Corporate Governance
29
Partnerships
33
Shaping the future: Our future goals and direction
36
Awards & Corporate Recognition
01
02
Message from Our Chief Executive Officer
“Our commitment to impacting the society
positively is demonstrated through our CSR
activities which we started implementing even
before making income – an unprecedented
achievement in the history of CSR in Nigeria.”
- Steven Evans, CEO
2010 CSR Report
When we began commercial
operations about two years ago,
our goal was not only to provide
world class quality service, but
also we had a clear commitment to
enhancing peoples’ lives.
We believe that we exist as a
business to make profit for our
shareholders. We equally believe
that we have a responsibility to
other stakeholders whom we
depend on for the survival and
growth of our business, hence
while profit making is key, we must
do so responsibly and sustainably.
To enable us implement this
empowerment vision, we have
made conscious efforts to
build and sustain a wholesome
relationship with our stakeholders.
These include striving to
provide the right conditions for
a truly rewarding career for our
employees; constantly ensuring
that we satisfy our customers with
innovative, friendly and valueadded products and services as
well as looking for creative ways to
meet the needs of the communities
where we operate.
Our commitment to impacting the
society positively is demonstrated
through our CSR activities which
we started implementing even
“We believe that we
have a responsibility
to other stakeholders
whom we depend on
for the survival and
growth of our business,
hence while profit
making is key, we must
do so responsibly and
sustainably.”
before making income – an
unprecedented achievement in the
history of CSR in Nigeria.
We have indeed, taken some good
strides in this direction. Beyond our
strong ethical focus as a company,
we have concentrated our CSR
interventions more on education
which remains our core CSR
platform, others being health and
environment.
For us, education remains the
foundation for future growth; it
is the key to unlocking a bright
future. It is the bedrock upon which
any solid economy is built.
In implementing our CSR initiatives,
we have been partnering with
credible local and international
organizations and institutions
including NGOs, education
institutions as well as different
tiers of the government.
We believe partnership is a key
element to attaining innovative,
real-time sustainable solutions to
our social problems. And of course,
as stated, sustainable results
become elusive without constant
engagement with stakeholders.
Our achievements thus far
is derived from the pertinent
questions we invariably ask
ourselves such as
how do our operations impact the
communities where we operate;
in what ways can we continually
empower their lives;
how can we exceed our customers’
expectations?
We believe we can only get better
with this sort of attitude which
basically propels us to focus an
undiluted attention on a collective
search for solutions instead of
dwelling on the problems and the
consequences.
03
“For us, education
remains the foundation
for future growth; it is
the key to unlocking a
bright future. It is the
bedrock upon which any
solid economy is built.”
I must admit that the journey has
not been all smooth. In the process
of meeting the various needs
of our stakeholders sustainably,
we have encountered and still
anticipate challenges. Beyond
emphasising our achievements,
this report also highlights these
challenges and our commitment to
deal with them as we continue to
do business responsibly. Enjoy the
reading.
Steven Evans
CEO
04
About this Report
What is CSR
Reporting...?
2010 CSR Report
What is CSR Reporting?
Just as the relatively new and
evolving concept of Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR), CSR
reporting began only ten years ago
unlike corporate annual reports
which date back over 200 years.
This youthful stage of CSR
reporting is largely responsible for
the absence of a single, universally
acceptable definition.
However, what appears certain
is that CSR reports tend to
serve a key purpose – show
and possibly improve the
relationship of a company and its
key stakeholders. They seek to
enhance communication between
an organisation and the society.
We believe that constant
engagement and disclosures
help build transparency and trust
between us and our stakeholders.
Hence, CSR reporting is an
integral part of our CSR policy and
business.
Key Areas of Focus
This is the first CSR report from
Etisalat Nigeria since we started
commercial operations about two
years ago. The implication of being
the first CSR report is that it is not
panoptic. For instance, while the
report goes beyond community
related projects and volunteering
schemes, it does not contain
systemic and company comparable
data.
Additionally, in this report, Global
Reporting Standards, such as,
Account-Ability (AA) standards and
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) are
excluded.
We intend to adopt some of these
guidelines that are specifically
related to our company’s impact on
the society as well as in line with
our CSR strategy in our future CSR
reporting process.
However, we must admit that for
a first, the content of this report
reflect our genuine commitment to
sustainable and impactful CSR.
CSR reports tend
to serve a key
purpose – show and
possibly improve
the relationship of a
company and its key
stakeholders.
AA
GRI
05
06
About this Report
Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholders – those that affect or
are affected by the operations of
our company – are very critical to
the success of our business.
As the definition rightly explains,
we are aware that a stakeholder
group can actually be responsible
for the success or failure of any
project, so we have actively
engaged with all major stakeholder
groups in implementing our CSR
initiatives.
The significance of engaging
stakeholders is evident in the
quality of initiatives we have
developed, which reflect in the
relevant roles they have played in
contributing to and determining our
innovative and impactful initiatives.
We believe that stakeholders can
be engaged in different ways
depending on what works for
us and each group. The most
important thing is the outcome of
the engagement process.
We ensure to the best of our
abilities that key stakeholders
are not only well identified, but
equally ensure no key stakeholder
is excluded from the engagement
process.
In addition, we take into cognisance
their views in meeting their
respective needs and in listening
and responding to stakeholder
needs we engage them either
informally or formally.
Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholder group
How we engage with them
NGOs
Roundtable sessions
Strategic Partnerships
Roundtable sessions
Employees
Newsletters; volunteerism;
Trade Partners/Vendors
Hand book on Ethics
Communities
Roundtable sessions
Media
Press releases; social media
Government/Regulators
Roundtable sessions
Subscribers
Social Media
In a nutshell, three key
elements have guided us in
achieving genuine stakeholder
responsiveness. These are
transparency, communication as
well as participation.
2010 CSR Report
Our Business
...at a glance
07
08
Our Business at a glance
Emerging Markets
Telecommunication Services
(EMTS), trading as Etisalat
Nigeria, is a Nigerian company
duly incorporated under the laws
of Nigeria in partnership with
Mubadala Development Company
and Etisalat of the United Arab
Emirates.
Incorporated in Nigeria as a private
company, it acquired the Unified
Access License from the Federal
Government in January 2007. The
License includes a mobile license
and spectrum in the GSM 1800
and 900 MHz bands at a price of
$400million (Four Hundred Million
U.S. Dollars).
Etisalat acquired a 40% stake in
EMTS and is now the operator of
the Unified Access License.
Etisalat has been the
telecommunications service
provider in the United Arab
Emirates since 1976. In its 34 years
about
$1.5b
spent on developing our
network in 2 years
Network
spread
In all 36 states of
the federation
of operations, it has built up stateof-the-art telecom infrastructure
and taken a leadership position
of innovation and quality among
regional and international
operators.
Etisalat has footprints in 18
countries traversing the Middle
East, Asia and Africa.
In Africa, Etisalat’s operations
span 10 African nations including
Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan, Ivory Coast,
Togo, Tanzania, Central African
Republic, Gabon, Benin and Burkina
Faso.
It therefore began operations
in Nigeria with considerable
experience in successfully rolling
out networks in challenging
terrains. It has been at the
forefront of technological
innovations, including a 3.75G
network deployed in Egypt. In
addition, Etisalat owns majority
shares in Thuraya, a leading
provider of satellite telephony.
Etisalat Nigeria commenced
commercial operations on
23 October 2008 with an
innovative and creative marketing
campaign – ‘0809uchoose’. The
promotion allowed Nigerians, for
the first time in the history of
telecommunications in Nigeria, to
choose special numbers on the
Etisalat network. This marked
the beginning of so many firsts’
recorded by Etisalat and in just two
years of commercial operations,
it attained a 6 million subscriber
mark.
Our network is now present in all
36 states of the federation and
the FCT covering major cities and
town with ongoing densification to
ensure qualitative service delivery
in all areas that it has presence. We
recently acquired a 3G licence and
are aggressively working towards
its roll-out in 2011.
Group
Network
Etisalat has footprints in
18 countries traversing
the Middle East, Asia and
Africa.
Our African operations include Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan,
Ivory Coast, Togo, Tanzania, Central African Republic,
Gabon, Benin and Burkina Faso.
2010 CSR Report
Dedicated to offering world class
telecommunications services,
Etisalat is investing heavily in the
Nigerian economy as well as in its
own human resources.
From day-one of its operations in
Nigeria, it has put in place various
skills acquisition and training
programmes to enable its people
offer outstanding quality services
to Nigerians.
Our products and services have
been tailored to suit the lifestyles
and meet the various needs of our
customers. Etisalat’s innovative
products are easy starter, easycliq,
easynet and elite world.
Indeed at Etisalat the future is a
world in which technology extends
people’s reach on all fronts.
Our Core Values
Growing our people
We are committed to
growing our people
Integrity
We operate with the
highest standards of
Integrity
Passion for excellence
We strive to be the best in
everything we do
Empowering our People
Empowering people to
succeed
One Team One Mission
We embrace collaboration,
mutual respect and
communication to achieve
our common mission
09
10
CSR at Etisalat
Our CSR Vision
We envision a future of sustainable economic and social impact through
limitless reach, and are committed to using our CSR policy, strategy and
initiatives to create this future.
Our CSR Mission
We extend the reach of the Nigerian people...
By providing socially responsible products and services;
enabling sustainable growth through our projects in areas of Education,
Health and Environment and building meaningful relationships with our
stakeholders through engagement - an indication that with optimism and a
caring attitude, we can all surpass boundaries.
2010 CSR Report
Our CSR Strategy
The uniqueness of our CSR
strategy is evident in the
emphasis on the different socioeconomic levels especially the
top socio-economic group such as
government and business leaders,
policy makers as well as opinion
leaders. We believe that these
groups have a great role to play
in influencing the decisions that
affect CSR budgets, the perception
and understanding of CSR in
addition to shaping the future
of CSR regarding concept, best
practices and sustainability.
For us, a strategy is not just ‘a
means to an end’, but also it is
important to understand the
essence or what the ‘end’ truly
represents. For instance, what
are the objectives of the CSR
strategy? What is the basis for
the objectives? How relevant is
the ‘means’ of achieving these
objectives? These are some of the
fundamental questions we have
asked and keep asking ourselves
to ensure that our key CSR
policy and strategic elements of
sustainability and maximum impact
are constantly enhanced and
sustained.
Bottoms-up
Its uniqueness is dependent on a
careful planning based on research
findings on the meaning of CSR,
external analysis; internal analysis
as well as a responsive stakeholder
engagement.
CSR Commitments
Tops-down
Our CSR strategy is a two-pronged
tops-down and bottoms-up
approach that empower the
various socio-economic groups. It is
a vivid road map to achieving our
CSR goals and objectives.
11
On commencing commercial
operations in Nigeria on 23
October, 2008, one of the
strategic areas identified as
a differentiating factor was
a commitment to being a
responsible corporate citizen of
Nigeria.
As such, we decided to forge
solid relationships between us
and our key stakeholder groups.
This we approached by deciding
to be ethical, fair and caring; in
engaging our stakeholders.
Engagement of our stakeholders
and the deployment of our
Corporate Social Responsibility
strategy have been approached
from three platforms –
EDUCATION, HEALTH, and the
ENVIRONMENT.
12
Our CSR Platforms
2010 CSR Report
Education
Building a Sustainable Future
Education forms the core
pillar of our CSR interventions.
Realising that Education is
the bedrock of any economy,
particularly a growing one
such as Nigeria, we decided
to focus on improving the
Education sector of the
country. This we have
started tackling through
implementation of the
following initiatives...
13
14
Our CSR Platforms - Education | Health | Environment
The CSR Centre – facilitating the integration of a social dimension to business
The concept and practice of CSR
is evolving and ways to ensure
international best practices are
constantly being explored. The
need to employ CSR to ensure
sustainability is apparent and
urgent everywhere in the world but
perhaps nowhere more so than in
Africa.
Our CSR strategy has taken into
cognizance what we consider the
rather peculiar Nigerian situation;
CSR and philanthropy are mostly
used interchangeably when in truth
both are terms and concepts have
some clear differences.
Yet it is a fact of life in Nigeria
that corporate bodies; government
officials tend to misunderstand
what it truly represents and its
potential to drive sustainability.
These, combined with other
factors, provided the bedrock upon
which we conceptualized and
defined our CSR strategy.
This strategy focuses on varied
socio-economic groups which
include decision and policy makers
in government as well as business
leaders such as the chief executive
officers of corporate organizations.
Based on our CSR strategy, we
have developed initiatives for
the top socio-economic groups.
We believe that empowering
these groups will help in enabling
sustainable development via CSR.
One of such initiatives is the
Etisalat CSR Centre in partnership
with the Lagos Business School of
the Pan-African University.
The Etisalat CSR Centre is the first
of its kind in Nigeria and it focuses
on CSR and related issues. The
key functions of the Centre are
knowledge creation, dissemination
and application.
In the area of knowledge creation,
it focuses on research in relevant
areas of interest including
corporate governance, work-family
balance and business ethics.
As a knowledge disseminating
agent, the centre will run in-house
seminars and workshops on CSR
as well as integrate CSR modules
in MBA and executive programs.
In addition, CSR knowledge will be
applied in assisting organizations
develop and implement CSR
strategies.
The CSR partnership with LBS
is focusing on people at the top
end of the socio-economic ladder
with the objective of making even
bigger impacts on society because
we are able to shape the opinion of
decision-makers.
...making bigger
iety
impacts on soc
Right: Bryan Sanderson, Former Group Chairman, Standard
Chartered Bank, making a presentation at the CEO’s forum
Left: Steven Evans with Bryan Sanderson at the CEO’s forum
2010 CSR Report
For us, this was a huge motivating
factor in our decision to partner
with LBS on the development of
the CSR centre.
The program, which is included in
the MBA curriculum, is designed to
address the challenges associated
with the theory and practice of
CSR.
The Center is one of the
ways Etisalat has shown its
commitment to contributing to
raising the awareness level, the
significance, and sustainable
methods of practicing CSR, a
new and evolving concept.
The Etisalat CSR
Centre is the first of
its kind in Nigeria
and it focuses on
CSR and related
issues.
Top left: Steven Evans and Christopher Kolade, Pro
Chancellor Pan African University, having a chat at
the CEO’s forum
Right Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo, Permanaent
Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education
commissioning the CSR Centre, flagged by Juan
Elegido, VC Pan African University and Steven Evans
Bottom left: Research Staff at the CSR Centre
15
16
Our CSR Platforms - Education | Health | Environment
Adopt-A-School Initiative – optimizing public schools in Lagos State
This initiative is a Public Private
Partnership between the
government of Lagos State and
Etisalat Nigeria.
In these schools, we have
refurbished the facilities
extensively and have work ongoing
in one of them.
We recognise that the public
sector cannot on its own repair
the educational institutions. The
support and assistance of private
organisations is needed, so that
working jointly and harnessing the
unique strengths of each partner
together we can bring about
positive change.
We have demolished and re-built
classroom blocks, constructed
state-of-the-art conveniences
for students and staff, built
water treatment systems and
boreholes, and added new teaching
equipment.
Under the auspices of this
partnership, Etisalat Nigeria
is committed to improving the
deplorable state of some public
schools in Lagos state.
We have adopted three schools
for life: Akande Dahunsi Memorial
High School, Osborne Road Ikoyi,
Edward Blyden Primary School,
Okesuna Lagos Island and Rabiatu
Thompson Primary School Surulere;
all in Lagos state.
We have also held career
counselling sessions with the
schools’ students, and will
continually provide support in
areas such as leadership education,
management and direct support
for students and teachers’
development.
The essence of our intervention
in this area is to make the
students’ learning process easier
and smoother, and support the
underprivileged students of these
schools to nevertheless excel
academically and indeed in life.
We aim to provide total support
towards producing highly enabled
students.
Rabiatu Thompson
Primary School: Steven
Evans on an inspection
tour of the construction
work at the school. He is
ity
flagged by the commun
head and the school’s
head teacher
2010 CSR Report
17
We have adopted three schools for life: Akande Dahunsi Memorial High School,
Osborne Road Ikoyi, Edward Blyden Primary School, Okesuna Lagos Island and
Rabiatu Thompson Primary School Surulere; all in Lagos state.
BEFORE...
Left: Edward Blyden
and
Primary before adoption
reconstruction
...AFTER
nstructed
Below: The newly reco
School
Edward Blyden Primary
bisi
Inset: Princess Sarah Ade
of Lagos
Sosan Deputy Governor
at the
State with Steven Evans
ly
commissioning of the new
en
reconstructed Edward Blyd
ool
Sch
ary
Prim
Provision of Borehole and
s at
30 units of toilet facilitie
ary
Akande Dahunsi Second
School, Ikoyi
BEFORE...
...AFTER
Rabiatu Thompson
Primary School
tal
We aim to provide toducing
support towards pro s.
highly enabled student
18
Our CSR Platforms - Education | Health | Environment
Etisalat Merit Awards Scheme – Celebrating Excellence and Changing Lives
This scheme, launched in
2009 was designed to award
scholarships to meritorious
students of Electrical Electronics
Engineering, Computer Science,
and Business Management courses,
in their second and third years of
study. The criteria for selecting
the awardees was academic
excellence, as shown by the top 10
students in these courses, based
on their academic performance and
also their indigenousness to the
location of the schools.
To date, over 400 students have
benefitted from this initiative. We
have received testimonials from
a good number of them; Ibude
A. Napoleon, a current 400 level
student of Delta State University
had this to say, “I’ll forever be
grateful to Etisalat for the kind
gesture you’ve shown to us. You’ve
put smiles on our faces. You’ve
given us hope & courage to face
the future. You’ve made us know
that all the time we spend studying
is never in vain... You have greatly
encouraged me and I have resolved
to continue to do my very best.”
Another scholar, Oluchukwu
Ejindu, a 300 level student of
University of Nigeria, Nsukka,
talked of the motivating power of
the scholarships, ‘The scholarships
motivated me to study even
harder than before to maintain and
surpass my grades. Other students
now turn to me to help them study
better because they hope to be
able to benefit from this reward
for students who study hard.’ In
conclusion, Oluchukwu added, ‘I am
grateful for the opportunity to be
a recipient of this award because
it has brought out the best in
me academically, and helped me
appreciate that there is a prize for
hard work and excellence. It has
also served as encouragement to
my fellow students to work harder
and do the best academic work
that they can.”
A particularly compelling case for
more corporate organisations to
support such initiatives was made
by Obi Kelechi Anayo, a student of
the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
‘I was seriously looking for funds
to support my parents who were
finding it difficult to pay my school
fees’. He goes on to say that he
was facing the sad possibility of
leaving school despite his brilliant
academic performance, because
of his inability to pay school fees.
However, as a result of the grant,
in his own words, ‘I was able to pay
my school fees and also purchase
textbooks I needed for my course‘,
he enthused.
This scheme is an annual one, and
will continue impacting positively
on the lives of students of Nigerian
universities for a long while to
come.
Steven Evans
with students and
University officials
at the Northern
Merit Awards
Etisalat Nigeria team at the palace of the Emir of
Kano prior to our regional launch. L to R: Ibrahim
Dikko (Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs),
Wael Ammar (Chief Commercial Officer), Hakeem
Belo-Osagie (Chariman), HRH Dr. Addo Bayero (Emir of
Kano) and Steven Evans (Chief Executive Officer).
Etisalat Merit Awards presentation: Deputy VC
(Academic), University of Calabar, Prof. Mirinda
Dosunmu receives a cheque on behalf of the
recipients of students from Enekwachi Aja while
Oyetola Oduyemi looks on.
This scheme, launched
in 2009 was designed
to award scholarships to
meritorious students... To
date, over 400 students
have benefitted from this
initiative.
2010 CSR Report
Career Counselling Initiative
The Career Counselling Scheme,
an employee volunteering program
is an aspect of the internal CSR of
Etisalat.
Through volunteering program,
employees have the opportunity
to fulfil their desire of impacting
the society positively. Employees
are encouraged to volunteer their
time and employ their skills in
providing career counselling as
well as mentorship to students of
secondary schools.
The Career Counselling Initiative
is aimed at guiding appropriately
students of secondary schools
(especially those in the senior
secondary school levels) towards
making the right and fulfilling
career choices as a wrong career
move may have long-term negative
effects.
Our focus is mainly on our adopted
schools, but other schools are
equally included in the program.
Employees are
encouraged to volunteer
their time and employ
their skills in providing
career counselling as
well as mentorship to
students of secondary
schools.
Right:
John Edokpolo, a staff
volunteer (from Etisalt
Nigeria) addressing
a cross section of
students at one of
the Etisalat Career
Counselling sessions
Steven Evans with Mrs.
Bisi Awoyemi, L.E.A.R.N coordinator and Otunba Obajimi,
Permanent Secretary/TutorGeneral of Education District
3, at the Etisalat career
counselling session.
And as is with all our initiatives,
the career counselling program is
implemented in partnership with
NGOs and other development
institutions.
We are currently partnering with
Lagos State Empowerment and
Resource Network (L.E.A.R.N) which
is driven by the wife of the Lagos
State Governor, Her Excellency,
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola. Other
partners already identified for the
scheme include Fate Foundation
and Leap Africa.
The Career Counselling scheme is
not a one one-off, but a continuous
program which is designed to be
implemented three times yearly at
the moment.
The mentoring aspect though has
not fully taken off; it is however
designed to be an ongoing
relationship between the mentors
and mentees.
19
20
Our CSR Platforms - Education | Health | Environment
Teacher Training Programme – enabling more qualitative education
Etisalat Nigeria in collaboration
with the British Council has
recently launched an initiative
designed to strengthen English
language teaching skills in Nigeria.
It has been identified that the
performance in English language,
of primary and secondary school
students has been on a steep
decline over the years.
English language is the official and
unifying language of the country.
Poor skills in English language
also affect employability, mobility
and ultimately the economy of the
country.
Therefore we decided to partner
with the British council on an
intervention called the ‘Teacher
Training Programme’.
The Teacher Training Programme
will focus on teachers of English
Language in primary/ secondary
schools. They will be retrained on
English language teaching style
and delivery.
The content of their lessons will
also be improved, to enable them
keep up pace with international
standards in English language
teaching skills.
L to R: Ben Fisher, Director, British Council, Nigeria, David Higgs, Conutry Director, British
Council, Nigeria, Mrs. Mabel Ozumba, Director, Permanent Secretary Office, Ferderal Ministry of
Education and Ibrahim Dikko, Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria at the
National English Language Conference in Abuja
The Teacher Training
Programme will focus
on teachers of English
Language in primary/
secondary schools.
At the end of their training, they
will be opportuned to become
Cambridge-certified, through
sitting for and passing a Cambridge
examination called the Teaching
Knowledge Test (TKT) examination.
They will receive certificates of
completion for both the course and
examination.
We are certain that the retrained
teachers will ensure better grasp,
understanding and knowledge in
English language by their students;
thus improving the students’
performance in English language
examinations, and even other
subjects or courses as they are
almost all taught and tested in
English language.
At the end of their
training, they will be
opportuned to become
Cambridge-certified,
through sitting for and
passing a Cambridge
examination called the
Teaching Knowledge
Test (TKT) examination.
2010 CSR Report
Health
Creating a Healthier Future
for Present Generations
21
22
Our CSR Platforms - Education | Health | Environment
Our second CSR platform is Health.
On this platform we have built an
intervention into one of the most
rampart killers of Nigerians, and
a detriment to the growth of the
Nigerian economy – the malaria
scourge.
In view of the actual and potential
harm posed by this illness, Etisalat
Nigeria has chosen to tackle it
via the ‘Fight Malaria Initiative’.
This initiative has a two-pronged
approach – education, and active
action.
The educative approach
to fighting malaria...
through innovative
entertaining and
informative drama
series on malaria
prevention and control...
The educative approach to fighting
malaria is being implemented by
way of an innovative entertaining
and informative drama series on
malaria prevention and control. It
focuses on educating everyone
– workers, parents, students, and
even semi-literate people on ways
to avoid contracting malaria, and
what to do when it has been
contracted.
It also dispels myths about malaria,
these myths in themselves being a
leading cause to the growth of the
scourge.
The programme is being broadcast
in all the regions of Nigeria in
English, and will subsequently be
interpreted into the different major
dialects, for mass consumption,
understanding and practice of its
lessons.
2010 CSR Report
Students of Goernment Girls Secondary
School, Shekara: Beneficiaries of our free
distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets
23
... We are also
distributing thousands
of insecticide-treated
nets to local government
areas and secondary
schools, in different
states of Nigeria
Etisalat is also distributing
thousands of insecticide-treated
nets to local government areas
and secondary schools, in different
states of Nigeria.
The programme targets those most
at risk – infants, young persons, and
pregnant women.
As part of this initiative, the schools
in which the insecticide treated
nets are distributed will also have
‘Youth Against Malaria’ clubs. They
will be run by student leaders, who
will also facilitate the dissemination
and practice of healthy practices
that prevent malaria.
This initiative is being piloted in
Kano state, in partnership with the
Malaria Foundation International
(MFI), and its Nigerian affiliate – the
Society for Youth Awareness and
Health Development (SYAHD).
24
Our CSR Platforms
Environment
Protecting Planet Earth/
Championing the creation of
a green world
2010 CSR Report
The third platform is the
Environment. We firmly believe in
the importance of preserving the
environment, for its continued use
by future generations. As such
we seek to adopt sustainable and
environmentally-friendly practices,
both internally and externally.
that generated by the classic SIM
card, from 16g of CO2 to 8g of CO2
generated per card.
As part of our efforts in providing
eco-friendly and sustainable
products and services, Etisalat
partnered with Oberthur to
introduce innovative and climateprotecting SIM packs called
ecoSIMs.
Until now, SIM cards were produced
on sheets of plastic using a credit
card size format.
The new cards have effectively cut
in half the amount of plastic waste
used for the production of a SIM
card. Manufactured with 50% less
plastic, the environmental footprint
of this new SIM card is one half of
This is because the new format
uses half the quantity of plastic for
production, thus reducing waste
generation.
The objective is to reduce the
environmental impact of EcoSIM
cards from production to client
delivery.
The customers receive the new
SIM cards in an environmentallyfriendly envelope (made of natural,
non-treated, non-bleached fibers,
a paper window, aqueous ink and
glue without solvent).
50% Reduction
Less CO2 emissions
25
The paper used for the letter
accompanying the card is made of
100% recycled fibers and is printed
with vegetable-based inks.
We also seek to comply with laws
and regulations on environmental
protection, pertinent to our
business practices.
We are aware of the potential
environmental hazards applicable
to the telecommunications
industry, and strive to ensure
that we uphold environmentallyhealthy business practices.
Beyond our eco-friendly products
and services, we are partnering
with credible institutions,
organizations as well as
government bodies in driving
our environment-friendly green
initiatives.
Our partnership efforts are
generally geared towards
mitigating the effects of climate
change as well as ensuring a
sustainable environment.
26
Corporate Governance
Corporate
Governance
...corporate culture
of ethical behaviour
2010 CSR Report
27
Corporate Governance
At Etisalat, the board has an
unwavering commitment to highest
level of ethical governance in every
aspect of the organization. The
management which operates under
the direction of the board ensures
that in implementing business and
corporate affairs ethical standards
are not compromised.
Etisalat Nigeria strives to be known
for its commitment to being a
law abiding and ethical corporate
citizen of the nation. It adheres to
the highest ethical and corporate
governance standards, in relating
with its employees, contractors,
governmental, regulatory and other
supervisory authorities, customers,
investors, host communities and
the general public.
Etisalat and its employees are
guided by a Compliance and Ethics
code that provides direction on
ethical principles, procedures and
governance guidelines. Specifically,
the Code makes the following
provisions, amongst others –
All employees of Etisalat must
comply at all times with all
applicable laws, statues, bye-laws,
edicts, policies and regulations
in force in Nigeria. Compliance
with the International Chamber
of Commerce Rules of Conduct
to Combat Extortion and Bribery,
and Transparency International
Business Principles for Countering
Bribery is also mandatory.
Employees are prohibited from
accepting gifts in cash, goods
or services from contractors,
government officials or third
parties; neither should they give
expensive, unbranded gifts to these
parties. Where gifts are received by
employees they should be declared
to the Director, Legal Services.
Gifts not approved for retention by
the receiving employee shall be
collected into a pool and distributed
to the company’s approved
charitable organisations.
Etisalat affirms that it will not
directly or indirectly offer, promise,
give, or demand a bribe or other
undue advantage to obtain or
retain business or other improper
advantage, nor should it be
expected to give or render a bribe
or other undue advantage.
Etisalat shall adopt internal control
systems that discourage bribery
and corrupt practices and adopt
financial and tax accounting and
auditing practices that prevent the
establishment of “off the books” or
“secret accounts” or the creation of
documents which do not properly
and fairly record the transactions
to which they relate.
Etisalat has a zero tolerance for
discrimination or harassment in
the work place in any form and
seeks to promote a positive work
environment.
Adherence to all the provisions of
the Compliance and Ethics code
ensures that Etisalat will stay at
the forefront of Nigeria’s ethically
sound citizenry, setting new and
exemplary standards of business
practice worthy of emulation, and
guaranteeing a better and more
ethical future for all.
28
Corporate Governance
Initiative- 2010
Impact
Adopt-A-School
Edward Blyden: pulled down entire structure and reconstructed
school with toilet facilities/boreholes
Rabiatu Thompson: 3 newly constructed blocks of classrooms
with toilet facilities.
1861 students have been empowered by the initiative. Of this
number, about 399 students have gained admission due to
intervention
Merit Awards
410 students have benefitted from initiative
Etisalat CSR Centre
142 professionals of different companies have had enriching
experiences from the Centre’s activities. Of this number, 52 are
top executives.
102 MBA students are currently being trained on CSR due the
integration of CSR to the MBA program. The CSR modules are
mandatory.
Career Counselling
Over 600 students have been counselled on choosing the
appropriate career paths
Teacher Training
Launched the framework for training of teachers in Oyo, Rivers
and Kaduna States.
Fight Malaria
Educated over 200,000 Nigerians via Etisalat radio drama
series on ways to avoid contracting malaria, and what to do
when it has been contracted.
Green Initiative
With the new eco-SIM card, the carbon foot-print generated by
the classic SIM card, has been reduced from 16g of CO2 to 8g
of CO2 generated per card;
Eco-SIM enclosed in environmental-friendly envelope (made
of natural, non-treated, non-bleached fibres, a paper window,
aqueous ink and glue without solvent). The paper used for the
letter accompanying the card is made of 100% recycled fibres
and is printed with vegetable-based inks.
Corporate Governance
Etisalat and its stakeholders which include its employees are
guided by a Compliance and Ethics code that provides direction
on ethical principles, procedures and governance guidelines.
The provisions of this Code include zero tolerance for bribery
and corruption; discrimination/harassment in the work place
as well as a gift policy that ensures employees do not accept
gifts from contractors, vendors capable of influencing their
decisions.
2010 CSR Report
Partnerships
29
30
Partnerships
Partnerships are a key feature of our CSR strategy and initiatives. Partnerships
enhance the quality and implementation of CSR initiatives. This especially applies
to some of our initiatives that are not directly linked to the core competence of
the organisation. In implementing various initiatives under our key CSR platforms,
we enjoy good working relationships with NGOs of varied hues; educational as
well as governmental institutions.
“
Chris Ogbechie
”
Director, Etisalat CSR Centre,
LBS, Pan African University
“
Mary R. Galinski, PhD
Etisalat Nigeria Limited has distinguished itself in CSR practice in
Nigeria through its commitment and approach to CSR. One of many
unique CSR activities of Etisalat Nigeria is the sponsorship of a CSR
Center in the Lagos Business School (LBS) which is principally geared
at promoting and improving the practice of CSR in Nigeria. CSR is infact embedded in the business strategy of Etisalat Nigeria and is not
an “add-on”. Apart from its sponsorship of the CSR Center Etisalat
Nigeria is also involved in educational initiatives through its ADOPTA-SCHOOL program and Scholarship schemes; in health through its
‘Fight Malaria’ project and the environment through its eco-friendly
products initiatives.
Founder and President, Malaria
Foundation International &
Professor of Medicine, Infectious
Diseases & Global Health
Director, International Center for Malaria
Research, Education & Development
Emory University School of Medicine
Emory University, USA
We at the Malaria Foundation International (MFI) are proud to have
become supportive partners with Etisalat’s CSR team since our initial
conversations together in 2008. The collaborative educational
programs that have developed with our longstanding colleagues
at SYAHD are most admirable and inspirational. These efforts
are consistent with the MFI’s flagship programs, Student Leaders
Against Malaria (SLAM) and the End Malaria - Blue Ribbon (EM-BR)
campaigns, which aim to rally students together as leaders in their
communities to help bring an end to the malaria scourge worldwide.
With Etisalat’s continued supportive partnership with SYAHD, we can
envision the reality of such ideals taking off in Nigeria, and beyond.
Etisalet’s programs are helping to expand empowering actionoriented messages throughout the country, and deliver technical
expertise and mentorship. I am personally particularly impressed
each time I read the heart-wrenching quotes of young students, both
boys and girls, who have become committed SLAM leaders in Nigeria,
and an inspiration to the world.
”
2010 CSR Report
“
British Council programmes provide access to social and educational
development, deliver development contracts and enable cultural
exchange that builds capacity, understanding and prosperity.
We focus our programmes on the following areas: English, Arts,
Education and Society.
Partnerships are very important to the British Council. Working
with organisations that share common goals we are able to create
even more opportunities for people in Nigeria. The partnership with
Etisalat is no exception, a valuable collaboration that will result in
more English Language teachers across Nigeria having access to
training through the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) course.
David Higgs
Country Director, British Council,
Nigeria
As the teachers build their teaching skills and knowledge of
diverse tools and methods that they can use in the classroom, their
students too will benefit. English competence is linked to students’
academic achievement, their future career growth, and ultimately
to their ability to contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
Research has found that many sectors require English Language
skills for growth. It is encouraging that a private sector stakeholder
like Etisalat recognises this area as one of priority and is willing
to contribute to the improvement of English Language capacity in
Nigeria.
”
“
Mrs. Egbuna
Headteacher, Edward Blyden Memorial
Primary School (one of the schools
adopted for life under Etisalat’s AdoptA-School initiative)
I wish to express the school’s profound gratitude for Etisalat’s
immense contribution towards reconstructing our school which
resulted in the beautiful edifice that stands today – a solid and proud
testament of Etisalat’s commitment to making a positive difference
in its host communities. As a result of its sterling contributions in
cash, time and dedication, Edward Blyden is a school that will benefit
Lagos state children both now and even in the distant future. It is
said that ‘life is not measured by the number of our days, but by the
number of lives we inspire or touch.’ Our lives have been indelibly
improved, and this partnership will no doubt enhance the quality of
education in the school.
Thank you, 0809ja for life!
”
31
32
Partnerships
“
Her Excellency,
Princess Adebisi Sosan
We are very appreciative to Etisalat Nigeria for its passion
for qualitative education in Lagos State, which informed its
implementation of the Adopt-A-School initiative. Etisalat Adopt-ASchool initiative which is specially designed towards the reformation,
construction of adopted schools, whilst also providing infrastructural,
technical and academic support, has added tremendous value to
schooling in public educational institutions in Lagos state.
The execution of this initiative has also facilitated growth and
development of the state’s educational sector, with concurrent
advancement of Lagos state and indeed the nation.
Deputy Governor, Lagos State
We acknowledge that Lagos government has many demands on
the funds available to it, and is not able to single-handedly create
an ideal state with model sectors. Therefore we are particularly
grateful to all corporate organisations, a shining example of which is
Etisalat, which has taken it upon itself to work collaboratively with
the government through public private partnership, and bring about
collective good. Etisalat has made schooling more attractive to
students whose only option of education are the public schools; thus
fuelling their desire to further their education, while also creating an
enabling environment for them to excel academically.
”
2010 CSR Report
33
Shaping the future
... Our future goals and direction
34
Shaping the future
We firmly believe that Corporate Social Responsibility is always
work in progress. It is never completed or perfect; it is an evolving
field and there are ever emerging ways of improving a company’s
corporate social responsibility drive.
We intend to stay ahead of the curve, and work towards
ensuring that our business practices remain sustainable, and our
organisation upholds its commitment to corporate responsibility.
2010 CSR Report
35
Initiative
Proposed Plan of Action 2011
Adopt-A-School Initiative
Rabiatu Thompson: provide additional block of classrooms
Akande Dahunsi: renovations and writing materials.
Sustain currently adopted schools and adopt more in other
states
Merit Awards Program
610 number of awardees in all for this year;
Kick start the internship phase of the scheme
Etisalat CSR Centre
Seminar for NGOs April 11-13
CSR Masterclass - June 20-24
Strategic CSR for the Oil & Gas Industry - July 26-28
CSR Workshop for Journalists - August 17
International CSR Conference 2011 - November 16
Career Counselling program
1,500 number of students to be counselled;
Introduce the mentorship leg also.
Teacher Training Initiative
Train 100 secondary school teachers across Oyo, Kaduna and
Rivers States
Fight Malaria Initiative
Increase number of radio stations airing the malaria drama
series for more impact.
Provide 10,000 long lasting insecticide treated nets to boarding
students in Kano State;
Kick-start Student Leaders Against Malaria (SLAM) clubs in
schools.
Green Initiative
Electronic Waste Management
Corporate Governance
Kick start the Gift Policy initiative which encourages
stakeholders to contribute to our initiatives rather than provide
gifts to employees.
36
Awards and Corporate Recognition
Awards &
Corporate
Recognition
2010 CSR Report
37
Etisalat has won top CSR awards for its commitment to impacting positively on
society. Some of these awards include:
1.
Model in Education and
Youth Development
Award at a Lagos State
Government organized
awards (2010)
2.
1st place in the
Corporate Social
Responsibility category
at the prestigious
Etisalat Group
Innovation Awards in
Abu Dhabi, UAE
1.
2.
3.
3.
SERA AwardsMost Innovative CSR
Company
4.
SERA AwardsBest Company in Youthfriendly CSR
5.
Steven Evans receives from H.E.
Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN),
Executive Governor of Lagos State,
the Category-A Award for Corporate
Social Responsibility at the CSR
Awards organized by the Lagos
State Government (2009)
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