(L-R)Cross section of participants with Prof Chris Ogbechie, Dean, Lagos Business School (middle)
The Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre impact work to support the adoption and integration of sustainable practices across the corporate landscape in Africa hit another milstone with the successful conclusion of the 2024 Effective Sustainability and ESG Management Programme. This year’s programme brought together private-sector executives from various industries to explore cutting-edge strategies for embedding Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their operations.
Designed as a comprehensive certificate programme, the initiative aims to provide participants with Africa-focused knowledge and practical tools to address pressing global challenges while driving meaningful change in their organisations. With sustainability taking centre stage as a global imperative, the programme equips leaders to navigate the evolving dynamics of corporate responsibility and resilience.
Following rigorous market research and participant feedback, the revamped curriculum was tailored to meet the needs of businesses operating in Africa. The programme’s hybrid format combined virtual sessions held from September 3 to 13, 2024, with an intensive two-day, in-person workshop on September 19 and 20, 2024. This flexible delivery model provided a dynamic learning experience for the 19 participants, fostering engagement and knowledge-sharing across geographical boundaries.
Prof Chris Ogbechie, Dean, Lagos Business School, facilitating a course at the just concluded programme
The programme covered an array of subject matter areas critical to modern business leaders, including the integration of ESG principles into business strategies, developing transparent and actionable sustainability reports, and addressing ethical challenges in corporate governance. It provided participants with practical insights into identifying sustainability risks and opportunities, aligning business operations with global best practices, and fostering resilience in the face of environmental and societal challenges.
Participants spoke highly of the transformative impact of the programme on their personal and professional growth. “The Effective Sustainability and ESG Management Programme has been transformative for both me and my organisation,” shared Abiola Ibine, Lead, CSR and Sustainability at IBILE Oil & Gas Corporation. She added, “It gave me a deeper understanding of integrating sustainability into our business operations, from strategy development to day-to-day practices. The course’s practical approach enabled me to identify key sustainability risks and opportunities, leading to more informed decision-making and enhanced corporate responsibility. Thank you to the LBS team for an exceptional job!” Another participant, Dorcas Tabitha, Head of Process & Sustainability at Mouka Limited, remarked on how the programme shaped her career aspirations. “The programme is appropriate to both my organisational and personal needs. It has made me so interested that I want to pursue sustainability as my career.”
The in-person workshop formed the highlight of the programme, offering participants the opportunity to engage deeply with facilitators and peers through case studies, group discussions, and interactive sessions. These sessions allowed participants to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, equipping them to implement actionable strategies within their organisations.
Reflecting on the programme’s success, Mrs. Orevaoghene Atanya, Director of the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, expressed pride in the accomplishments of the 2024 cohort. “At Lagos Business School, we believe sustainability is not just a business imperative but a pathway to shaping a better future for Africa. Through this programme, we aim to empower leaders with the tools and knowledge to effect meaningful change within their organisations and beyond. The commitment and engagement of this year’s participants reaffirm our belief in the power of education to transform businesses and communities for the good of the continent.”
The conclusion of the programme marks the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates, who now join a growing network of changemakers driving sustainable transformation across Africa. As ambassadors of sustainability, these leaders are equipped to implement innovative practices, advocate for responsible governance, and inspire their organisations to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
With the conclusion of the 2024 Effective Sustainability and ESG Management Programme, the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre continues to solidify its reputation as a hub for advancing corporate responsibility and sustainability in Africa. As the Centre prepares for future editions, its impact on shaping a more sustainable continent remains undeniable.
For more information about the programme and upcoming initiatives, visit https://lbssustainabilitycentre.edu.ng/
Click here to view the communique of the programme.
