As part of its corporate social investment campaign for 2016, management
and staff of Stanbic IBTC, a member of Standard Bank Group, devoted a day
to mentor students of Lagos Progressive Schools, Surulere, on career
choices and leadership. The mentorship class provided an opportunity for
the students to have a one-on-one interaction with the staff members in a
lively and stimulating class session.
The classroom sessions examined five steps to helping a child develop
leadership skills. The classes were practical and engaging to gain and
retain the students’ attention as well as ensure their full participation.
Head, Marketing and Communications, Stanbic IBTC, Mrs Nkiru Olumide-Ojo,
who led the staff to the school, said the bank’s staff volunteerism CSI
activities are meant to create shared value with communities where Stanbic
IBTC operates. She said the mentorship initiative was in recognition of the
need to instill the right values and skills in school children, as leaders
of tomorrow, during their formative years.
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“As leaders in our various spheres of operation within the Stanbic IBTC
family, we understand that leadership qualities are best imbibed and
nurtured early. As our future leaders, we know it is essential that these
children understand these qualities early enough and start to make them a
part of their everyday lives,” Olumide-Ojo said, adding, “Our desire is to
equip them with these skills that will help them aspire for greatness and
make smarter career choices.”
Some of the leadership lessons taught included the ability to be focused,
the power of positive attitude and discipline, problem solving skills,
resilience, ability to overcome challenges and the need to constantly
strive for improvement. Ex-Super Eagles captain, Kanu Nwankwo’s experience,
who went through corrective heart surgery and still came back to become the
best in Africa, was one of many notable icons used to illustrate the need
for determination and resilience. The staff members also used some of their
personal experiences to drive home the point. While books designed to help
improve the reading culture and skills among the students were also
formally donated to the libraries of both the junior and senior arms of the
school by the organisation.
According to Olumide-Ojo, “At Stanbic IBTC, we have an unwavering
commitment to our CSI delivered through three key pillars namely health,
education and economic empowerment. This, we will continue to leverage,
particularly education, to ensure a better future for our children and the
society. The knowledge that we have impacted in the students today will
certainly give them the edge in their learning.”
