IN a profound demonstration of commitment to societal welfare and support for underprivileged children, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, a subsidiary of the Standard Bank Group, staged a charity walk to commemorate the 10th edition of its flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative, the Together4ALimb Walk.
This hallmark event marks years of dedicated efforts towards enriching the lives of children living with limb loss and underscores Stanbic IBTC’s steadfast dedication to social responsibility.
The Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Dr Demola Sogunle, speaking at the event, said limb loss has a significant impact on children’s emotional, psychological, and societal well-being, thus the organisation’s holistic approach to tackle these children’s medical needs as well as the financial and social challenges encountered by their families.
“Businesses have a crucial role in delivering comprehensive support, recognising limb loss as a complex life challenge beyond the physical condition. Through Together4ALimb, we address both the tangible and intangible hurdles these families face,” Demola stated.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, noted the remarkable impact of the banks’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative that had benefited 136 children without limbs for different reasons, including accidents and birth defects, providing them with prosthetic limbs and educational trust funds.
“Over the years, issues around welfare and rights of persons with disabilities have become a recurring decimal in national discourse, with successive administrations coming up with various initiatives to end discrimination and generally promote the principle of social inclusion.
“In today’s world, our society has realised that physical disability is not inability and therefore should not, in any way, hinder anyone from achieving something positive in life,” she stated.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IfeanHealth Orthopaedics, Ejike Anih, stated that Stanbic IBTC has accomplished milestones through the Together4Limb initiative since it explicitly targets uplifting underprivileged children, a segment of the society often overlooked yet deeply impacted by systemic inequalities.
“By dedicating a portion of its resources to the welfare of underprivileged children, the organisation sets a laudable example for others to follow, demonstrating how corporations can make a significant difference in the world, one child at a time,” Ejike said.
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Corps Commander—Medical, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Samson Okoigi, in a remark commended the Together4ALimb initiative for providing much-needed hope and support to those affected, being crucial in helping recipients tap into their inherent potential and navigate life more confidently despite their physical challenges.
“Your dedication to restoring mobility to individuals with limb loss across Nigeria aligns with our mission in the Nigerian Army to rehabilitate and support the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. We know that the journey to recovery is not just about restoring what was lost but empowering individuals to regain their independence, confidence, and sense of purpose,” he said.
The 10th Together4ALimb Walk commenced at the Stanbic IBTC Head Office on Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos, and concluded at the Law School Bus Stop on Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue.
The 2024 Together4ALimb Walk marked a significant milestone by expanding its reach beyond Lagos, bringing the Together4ALimb Walk to several cities across Nigeria with staff and partners joining the walk with the aid of Steps by Stanbic IBTC.
Since the initiative’s inception in 2015, Together4ALimb has significantly improved the lives of 55 children by providing them with prosthetic limbs and creating educational trust funds of 1.5 million naira for each beneficiary. The programme witnessed a considerable expansion in 2023, extending its benevolence to 45 additional recipients.
To this day, the initiative proudly boasts of assisting 136 beneficiaries nationwide, ensuring each child receives an annual prosthetic limb replacement until age 18.
This year’s event further solidified Stanbic IBTC’s commitment by welcoming 36 children into the programme, thereby cementing Stanbic IBTC’s role in creating brighter futures for children experiencing limb loss.