CSR: OCEANIC BANK SUPPORTS MOTHERS AGAINST CHILD ABANDONMENT

The cause of ensuring a bright future for abandoned children is one that requires the attention of all Nigerians, the management of Oceanic Bank International Plc has said.

The Bank as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ties provides annual sponsorship for the Calabar Carnival Queen pageant, a charity event that supports the cause of 'Mothers Against Child Abandonment' (MACA) with the objective of preserving the lives of vulnerable young mothers and children.

Miss Adaeze Priscilla Aluke was crowned Calabar Carnival Queen 2010/2011 following a keen contest that involved 27 participants. By virtue of her victory, Miss Aluke has become the face of MACA and the tourism ambassador of Cross River State. Proceeds from the event are used for the upkeep of The Refuge Homes where abandoned babies and young teenage pregnant girls are tended. The CCQ amongst other things pays advocacy visits to schools, talking to young girls about abstinence, ills of abortion, teenage pregnancy, STDs & other societal ills.

'Oceanic Bank is proud to sponsor the Calabar Carnival Queen Beauty pageant which resonates with our corporate social responsibility ideals. In addition we applaud the Cross river state government for promoting tourism thereby bolstering the Nations economy said Nonye Mpho, Group Head, corporate communications, who represented the Bank's managing director/chief executive, Mr. John Aboh at the event.

Ms. Mpho said the Bank has a rich history of CSR projects including sponsorship of indigent students, promotion of sports, arts and culture, collaboration with private/government entities on security issues and poverty alleviation programmes, among others. 'Our CSR philosophy is driven by a sincere commitment to improving community well-being through best business practices and contributions to socio-economic development.'

Commending Oceanic Bank, Her Excellency, First Lady of Cross River State, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke said MACA was borne out of a passionate desire to care for vulnerable children irrespective of their background.