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.

Speaking at the event, Dr Demola Sogunle, the chief executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, emphasised the significant impact of limb loss on children’s emotional, psychological, and societal well-being. He highlighted the organisation’s holistic support approach, tackling not just the medical needs but also the financial and social challenges encountered by the families.

He emphasised the crucial role businesses play in offering comprehensive support, urging them to recognise that limb loss presents a complex challenge that goes beyond the physical condition.

The Stanbic IBTC boss highlighted the efforts of Together4ALimb, explaining how the initiative addresses both the visible and hidden obstacles faced by these families, ultimately providing a more holistic and inclusive form of support.

“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 2024 Together4ALimb Walk, resonating with the theme “Wellness in Motion” 2.0, was engineered to spotlight and ease the challenges faced by underprivileged children suffering from limb loss.

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.

During the event, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State, highlighted the remarkable impact of the initiative noting with admiration that 136 children have benefited from the organisation’s esteemed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

She said,

“I want to sincerely appreciate Stanbic IBTC’s commitment and consistency over the years through this laudable initiative. It is imperative to note that supporting special children who have experienced limb loss either through accidents, mismanaged injuries, or congenital issues/birth defects and providing prosthetic limbs and educational trust funds for them will further assist them in realising their full potential and give them a sense of love, care, and support from society.”

“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.

Ejike Anih, founder and chief executive officer of IfeanHealth Orthopaedics, stated that Stanbic IBTC has accomplished milestones through the Together4Limb initiative.

“This initiative explicitly targets the upliftment of underprivileged children, a segment of society often overlooked yet deeply impacted by systemic inequalities. By focusing on this group, the organisation sheds light on these children’s pressing issues and actively works to create tangible positive changes in their lives.”

“Such initiatives are paramount today, as they embody the essence of corporate responsibility—recognising the roles of businesses in the economy and as pillars of society with the power and resources to enact real change. 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.

Speaking at the event, Brigadier General Samson Okoigi, ⁠Corps Commander—Medical, Nigerian Army, commended the Together4ALimb initiative for its significant contribution, providing much-needed hope and support to those affected.

This initiative is crucial in helping recipients tap into their inherent potential and navigate life more confidently despite their physical challenges.

He stressed,

“We understand firsthand the impact of losing a limb, not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically. I stand here today with pride, recognising the vital work that Stanbic IBTC has been doing through this remarkable initiative. 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.”

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.

This year’s event 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.

This expansion underscores Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to fostering the nation’s social, economic, and environmental welfare.

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The unveiling, held today, showcased an initiative set to redefine the landscape of financial services in Nigeria and beyond.

Basil Omiyi CON, the Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, set the tone for the event with a warm welcome address, noting that the bank received the regulatory approval to create a Fintech in the first quarter of this year, 2023.

He emphasized the company’s longstanding commitment to being the preferred end-to-end financial services provider for businesses and individuals in the region. 

“As you know, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC has always depended on partnerships and we appreciate you for joining us today. Stanbic IBTC’s motto always says that we want to be and we aim to be and stay that way, the preferred end-to-end financial services provider to businesses and persons in our country and region. That’s our goal.

Of course, as you know, we have subsidiaries that are aligned towards this, whether in banking, pension, insurance, asset management and so on. With the group of subsidiaries, it was very clear to us that Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC needs a fintech. Because without a Fintech, orchestrating platforms could help in generating the next growth coming to the financial services sector for businesses, consumers, technology developers and without that, with our integrated financial services, we are probably one of those in the best position to exploit a Fintech for the benefit of the society itself. 

All the subsidiaries were aligned indeed towards the need to have one, and of course, we chose that this Fintech should be a solution-driven platform orchestrator. We then bring partners into that platform and together, we create a home grown solution, both for ourselves and for our partners in the platform, businesses deserve. That’s how the idea of Zest was born.”

Acknowledging the power of partnerships, Omiyi expressed gratitude to all stakeholders present, emphasizing the role of collaboration in achieving the goals.

The genesis of Zest was traced back to the collective vision of the Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC management team. Dr. Demola Sogunle, the Chief Executive, shared insights into the group’s strategic focus, encapsulated in the acronym SUV – Scale, User experience, and Velocity. With an eye on digitization and global demands, the decision to establish Zest as a wholly-owned fintech subsidiary was made.

Zest emerges as a standalone fintech powerhouse, intricately woven into the fabric of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC’s future endeavors. At its core, Zest embodies the concept of platform orchestration, enabling diverse payment options, seamless business transactions, and the facilitation of embedded finance. 

Its mission extends beyond conventional payments, encompassing nano and micro insurance, pensions, consumer credit, investment opportunities, mutual funds, collective investment schemes, and other value-added services. In essence, Zest serves as a catalyst for true financial inclusion, empowering ordinary Nigerians with unprecedented access to a myriad of financial products and services.

“Zest is made to help us to orchestrate that especially in the areas of e-commerce, buy-now-pay-later, working capital solutions and value added services. With Zest, we see opportunities to unlock new networks of partnerships and deliver deliberate and intentionally better experiences in the areas of payments and customized solution delivery. 

We consistently improved based on feedback received from enagagents and interactions in the past few months.” Dr. Sogunle said.

Stanley Jacob, the Chief Executive of Zest, highlighted the platform’s design principles, elucidating the core foundations upon which it stands.

“Businesses not just in Nigeria, but all over the world are constantly looking out for ways and tools to grow and expand. They want to access digital solutions and platforms that can help them reach a new network of customers.” he said. “At Zest, we have been able to execute a true platform orchestration strategy and this strategy is hinged on four broad principles: 

Zest’s first principle — Multi-Railed Payment — ensures stability, security, and flexibility for businesses, enabling them to collect payments through various channels, including card payments, account-based payments, Quick Response codes, transfers, USSD, and more. 

Notably, Zest made history by becoming the first fintech to go live on AfriGo, a proof of its pioneering spirit.

The second principle — Human-Centered Design — prioritizes customer needs, fostering a seamless user experience. Zest simplifies onboarding processes, allowing businesses and consumers to make payments online effortlessly. Innovation, customer-centricity, and user experience form the cornerstone of Zest’s approach.

Business Growth Powered by e-Commerce was nailed as the third principle. Zest empowers businesses of all sizes, enabling them to showcase products and reach new customer networks. Through customizable stores and an e-commerce marketplace, the fintech provides a platform for businesses to thrive, whether online or offline.

Operational Excellence, which was the fourth principle emphasizes the platform operating within the highest standards of integrity and regulatory compliance. Zest adheres strictly to applicable card schemes and processing rules. Strong governance and global compliance underscore Zest’s commitment to operational excellence.

Business owners who have embraced Zest for their enterprises have praised its speed, accessibility, and accuracy. Transactions are executed swiftly, enabling businesses to operate seamlessly in the digital arena.

The launch of Zest marks a significant milestone, reaffirming Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC’s goal in the financial services industry. As Zest begins its journey as a catalyst for financial empowerment, it promises a future where financial services are not just accessible but tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual and business. 

With Zest, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC has ushered in a new era of financial innovation and inclusivity, inviting everyone to join in the journey towards a more connected and empowered financial future.

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