As part of its CSR initiative to make life better and comfortable for community people in Nigeria, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) through its CSR initiatives program implemented by JAKIN N.G.O built a 30 meters long wooden pedestrian bridge, 6 public toilets and 2 boreholes for the people of Pedro riverine community. The project which is a first of its kind in the community was launched and formerly handed over on December 5^th, 2014 by the Executive Director of FCMB Lagos and South West – Mr. Olufemi Bakre, FCMB.

The pedestrian bridge linking the community with his neighboring communities collapsed in May 2014 and has since then been putting the dwellers in great agony of pulling canoe with rope from their end of the canal to the other side. They lacked proper toilets which has provision for soak-away, this made community members defecate directly into the Lagoon and thereby expose them to water borne diseases and other health related challenges which can result to death. Community members also resort to usage of dirty Lagoon water for basic needs like bathing, washing and cooking as they can’t afford purchase of water from the private borehole water sellers. Pregnant women are also in danger during delivery since there is no access road to the closest primary health centre at Iwaya. School children could not also access their schools.

FCMB lead CSR and sustainability – Mrs. Temitayo Ade-Peters, President of JAKIN N.G.O – Mrs. Adebiyi Olubukola, FCMB retail banking representative – Mr. Oladotun Olatunji, the Baale of PEDRO village community – Chief Abraham Messu, two other members of FCMB CSR team, 12 JAKIN N.G.O staffs, Pedro village council of Chiefs, Over 60 community stakeholders and members were also present at the occasion.

Mrs Uchenna Mojekwu – FCMB Head Corporate communications and CSR who was pivot to the success of the project from inception was said to be unavoidably absent due to more pressing official duties outside Lagos State.

Mr. Olufemi Bakre explained that FCMB understands that their business decisions and methods by which they engage with community is impacted not only on FCMB and their business but in a profound way that the communities and environment which support their lives and business can also enjoy. He stated further that FCMB beliefs that the communities which they operate should benefit from their presence as they move with the spirit of “My Bank and I”. He promised the PEDRO community people that FCMB will continue to identify with their needs and develop a CSR strategy that will maximize a positive impact on community support for environmental sustainability.

Special gifts were presented by JAKIN N.G.O and FCMB to Nine (9) outstanding community       members who made exceptional contributions towards the construction of the installations from September to November 2014.

Nutritional packaged gift and educational writing materials were also donated by FCMB to 300 community children in PEDRO VILLAGE.