THE formal launch of a foundation such as HEWS (acronym for Health, Education, Work and Shelter) should serve as a step in that voyage of persuasion for us all to answer the call to action by joining to undertake schemes and programmes that assist and support the less-privileged and less-endowed segments of our society.

Our country Nigeria is one where conditions abound to create wealth. Unfortunately, we have persistently sub-optimised our endowments and opportunities, and so badly misgoverned ourselves such that so much poverty exists in the midst of incredible potential and what should be overwhelming abundance.

I am sure you have all heard about the new National Bureau of Statistics Data, which confirms that whatever definition of poverty you adopt – absolute, relative, subjective or $ per day – over 60% of Nigerians, in effect more than 100 million of our compatriots, are poor! In such circumstances, we must protect and support the vulnerable, look after those with economic and social disabilities, those who are so far behind that they cannot benefit from the possibilities and opportunities we may have as a nation.

Ours is in effect a country of undeserving poor and mostly undeserving rich. It thus requires social entrepreneurs and volunteer organisations such as H.E.W.S Foundation to play a critical role in creating a more compassionate society, an opportunity society for the less-privileged among us.

As a Chief Executive Officer of a major Nigerian conglomerate, I share the belief that Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, represents implicit social franchise for business.  Initiatives taken in that light are good for social welfare and also good for the business.

A business, therefore, can certainly do well while doing good.  I am proud that UAC of Nigeria PLC is a leading light in this regard through its “Goodness League” initiative with its focus on addressing the crying shame and tragedy born of neglect, which is the education sector of our country.  However, businesses must equally resist the off-loading by government of its core responsibilities which our politicians were elected to tackle. It is unrealistic to imagine that businesses can totally replace government in the provision of social services and infrastructure, and if it did, the rationale for existence of government would have been lost.

On the side of businesses, often many CSR programmes are too unfocussed, too shotgun, too often mere attempts at supporting someone else’s pet programme with no real connection to society or even business.

I take the view that a company which is commercially competent but disregards corporate social responsibility may survive but it is at best a risky enterprise. Therefore, companies as social institutions must embrace the needs of stakeholders at large not just its shareholders and employees.

Today, we celebrate an economy with growth, GDP percentages that on the face of it are quite flattering, yet we are painfully familiar with unemployment, diseases, hunger, poverty, violence and other social maladies that afflict the society.

Companies and individuals like us have a stewardship obligation as interested guardians of future destinies to sacrifice and support organisations like HEWS Foundation that seek to make a difference.

As we may well know: “Neither the reach of a man’s fame nor the depth of his fortune but his ability to make a difference to humanity is what matters”.

Mr. LARRY ETTAH, is Group MD/CEO UAC of Nigeria Plc.