The NNPC Foundation has been named Africa’s Most Responsible Organisation at the 2025 SERAS Sustainability Awards in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Foundation clinched the overall continental prize at the 19th edition of the sustainability event held on Saturday.

The ceremony, with the theme ‘Sustainability 2.0’, saw the Foundation win five major awards, reaffirming its leadership in sustainable development.

The honours include Best in Decent Work, Best in Stakeholder Engagement, Best in Poverty Reduction, and Africa Sustainability Professional of the Year.

Managing Director, Emmanuella Arukwe, said the awards recognise the Foundation’s measurable impact across Nigeria and beyond.

“This recognition affirms our position as a sustainability leader driving meaningful impact and innovation.

“This win is for NNPC Limited. This win is for impact. This win is for Africa,” she said.

Arukwe highlighted interventions in health, education, energy, environment, and poverty alleviation across the six geopolitical zones.

She said over 6,000 free cataract surgeries had restored sight and livelihoods in several communities.

She added that three wards with 100 beds were rehabilitated at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.

Arukwe said the Foundation also expanded cancer screening nationwide and provided key equipment, including MRI machines.

On education, she said over 40,000 STEM books were distributed to public schools nationwide.

She added that 1,075,981 NYSC members received financial literacy training to boost youth inclusion.

“We also empowered over one million corps members, including 5,000 beneficiaries given start-up resources,” she said.

She said the Foundation sent 30 truckloads of food, water, and medical supplies to flood victims in Borno State.

On agriculture, she said 15,085 vulnerable farmers were trained on climate-smart practices and market access.

Arukwe said the Foundation also provided verified seedlings and monitored farmers to ensure sustainability.

She said environmental clubs and climate resilience projects were established to strengthen community action.

Arukwe noted that tree-planting campaigns were carried out in Katsina to support climate action.

On cleaner energy, she said the Foundation donated 45 CNG buses to strengthen public transport.

She said all projects undergo strict sustainability checks before implementation. “Our initiatives are monitored to ensure long-term impact,” she said.

She added that 3,441 Nigerians were screened for cancers in 2024 under national cancer interventions.

“With millions already reached, the Foundation remains a beacon of hope for underserved communities,” she said.

SERAS Founder Ken Egbas praised the Foundation for its record of community empowerment and innovation.

He said all awardees demonstrated leadership worthy of recognition and emulation.

Egbas said SERAS had grown from modest beginnings in 2007 to 325 entries from 31 African countries this year.

He described SERAS as the world’s second-oldest sustainability award and Africa’s gold standard for excellence.

He said sustainability now defines global competitiveness and Africa’s future direction.

He praised stories of impact—children accessing education, clean water for communities, and patients regaining sight.

“Africa needs more. Africa deserves more. The future demands more,” he added.