Unilever Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to the advancement the lives of Nigerians through its sustainable living plan. This was done at an event organised in partnership with the Lagos Business School, where Mr Paul Polman, Global CEO, Unilever Plc, spoke extensively on how profitable and sustainable businesses are built in the midst of volatility.
Polman who has been at the centre of the advocacy for building widespread support for the SDGs globally, has continued to champion the drive for a sustainable and integrated approach to sustainable business practices.
Speaking to young entrepreneurs, sustainability experts and young business leaders at the forum, he said: “The scale and urgency of the challenges the world faces are so great and we need to look beyond our own business to drive transformational change. These challenges actually provide opportunities for emerging businesses to grow profitably and sustainably while addressing development challenges.”
“At Unilever, we have been able to demonstrate that sustainability drives growth. More than ever before, we are leading the way, having taken a commitment to put sustainability at the core of our operations. And this is growing the business, despite current economic and business challenges” he added.
Also speaking at the session, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, ably represented by Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo, stressed that Lagos State is ready to support businesses like Unilever, who are delivering value and economic growth through their operations.
Other Nigerian CEOs present include; Oscar Onyema, CEO Nigerian Stock Exchange; Mr. Mutiu Sumonu (CON), Chairman, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.; and Mrs. Mosun Belo- Olusoga, Chairman Access Bank; and they all shared from their wealth of experience the ways to create sustainable commercial models within a highly volatile world. The event was moderated by Dr. Chris Ogbechie, Diamond Bank Chairman, and Faculty of the Lagos Business School.
In his opening remarks, Yaw Nsarkoh, Unilever Nigeria Managing Director said: “Businesses that address both the direct concerns of citizens and the needs of the environment will prosper over the long term. This is what guides our operations at Unilever as we meet the needs of our consumers while maintaining commercial profitability.
