Business
ICS Outsourcing Celebrates 30 Years Anniversary
ICS Outsourcing Limited recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with a gala/dinner night at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The gala witnessed by some of the organisation’s leading stakeholders took place on August 23, 2024.
The event was not only to celebrate three decades of remarkable achievements but also to honour the relationships and collaborations that have defined the journey of ICS Outsourcing Limited.
While speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Peter Akindeju, said the dinner night was significant, not only as a milestone in the company’s history but also as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that each member contributed to the success ICS.
“Together, we have woven a narrative of resilience and innovation, and tonight we celebrate that story. This evening is very much the celebration of your faith in us and your perseverance through the turbulent times.”
While reflecting on the journey of ICS, Akindeju noted the need to revisit it’s founding vision and mission. “ICS Outsourcing was established with the noble ambition of providing meaningful opportunities to non-graduates by employing them to handle noncore functions in the banking sector.
“This move was to solve the high attrition rates observed at the cash points/teller cubicles in the newest banks at that time.
Our founders envisioned a company that would not only provide exceptional outsourcing solutions but also foster meaningful relationships and empower both individuals and businesses to reach their fullest potentials,” he said.
He noted that over the past 30 years, the noble idea has grown into the one-stop outsourcing octopus, offering wide and varied BPO services to various sectors of the economy within and outside of Nigeria.
“The early days were not without challenges. We faced numerous hurdles, from market uncertainties to the need for skilled talent. We have navigated through various industry shifts and technological advancements, achieving key milestones that have shaped not only our identity but the industry we operate in.
“From our humble beginnings, we have expanded our services and geographical reach, adapting to the ever evolving business environment. Our commitment to excellence has earned us numerous awards and recognitions, affirming our status as a leader in the outsourcing industry.”
Speaking further on its achievements, Akindeju said, “We have fostered successful partnerships and collaborations that have enabled us to innovate and grow. Today, we proudly stand as a testament to resilience, having grown our team and capabilities significantly, driven by a shared commitment to excellence.”
However, he remarked that the true heart of ICS Outsourcing lies in “our people”.
” It is their dedication, passion, and relentless commitment that have propelled us to this remarkable milestone. Tonight, we celebrate not only our achievements but also the incredible individuals who have been the backbone of our success. These guys are heroes without capes.
“We recognize the unwavering commitment of our long-term staff, whose hard work and loyalty have been pivotal in shaping our culture and team spirit.”
Acknowledging the vital role its diverse clients have played, Akindeju said, “Our client-centric approach has been instrumental in our growth, and we are immensely grateful for the trust and partnership we have built over the years.
“We do feel blessed to have many of you as our clients. It does take the blessing of God to keep a client for 30 years and still counting! Many of the financial institutions we have the priviledge of serving have been with us for over 20 years. The least we can do is to appropriately recognize and thank each of you for standing by us and reposing your sacred trust in our abilities to serve you right. We continue to be immensely grateful for this.”
Highlighting some of its impact, the group CEO said,
“We have introduced innovations that have set new benchmarks, and we have been privileged to witness countless client success stories that serve as a reminder of why we do what we do.
“Over the years, we have earned recognition through various awards and accolades, from Client awards to recognitions from regulatory bodies and agencies of government such as TETFUND, LIRS etc. This company has not only added value to over 70,000 direct employees over the years but has impacted more 300,000 lives indirectly if you adopt a family multiplier of 4 to 5 members. Besides this, ICS Outsourcing contributes directly to the economy of all the 36 states of the federation and the FCT by remitting PAYE to these states monthly.”
Unveiling the future of ICS Outsourcing, he said , “The outsourcing industry is evolving rapidly, influenced by technology and automation. As we face new challenges, the importance of adaptability cannot be overstated. In the next decade, ICS Outsourcing will continue to emphasize innovation and sustainability, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry.
“Our strategic goals will focus on employee development and client satisfaction, fostering an environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. We will also be deepening our investments in other industries where we play through our subsidiaries.
“These include- Healthcare through Lifeworth HMO and Biopath Diagnostics Limited, ICT through Business Codes and Technologies Limited and Background Verifications through Crystal Checks International Limited. As we look into the future, we will also be doing some investments in specialized real estates.
I therefore invite each of you to join us in this journey, as we work together to navigate the future landscape.”
Akindeju added, “At ICS Outsourcing Ltd, we believe that doing business goes beyond profits—it’s about making a positive impact in the communities we serve and being a responsible steward of the environment. Our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is deeply woven into the fabric of our company, guiding us in our interactions with people and the planet.
“In the past we have been involved in various community development and capacity development initiatives. Our teams make individual donations to support vulnerable communities annually- they have donated school items, food and relief materials to various communities. They have also partnered with various agencies in the arears of capacity development. These include the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corp etc. It is also pertinent to note that these interventions happen concurrently everywhere we operate pan Nigeria.
“On the corporate front, we have undertaken the refurbishment, repair and maintenance of the Olusoji Idowu Street where we operate from in Ilupeju, Lagos at least twice. The first time, we tarred the road and when that got bad after a couple of years, we laid the more permanent interlocking blocks on the road five years ago.
“At ICS Outsourcing Ltd, our CSR initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to corporate responsibility. We are dedicated to balancing our business goals with social and environmental responsibilities. Through our efforts, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities while setting a benchmark for ethical business practices in the outsourcing industry.
“As we look into the future, we are determined to do more to protect the environment, as we are almost concluding discussions on a cut over to alternative/natural sources of energy. We are also setting up a foundation- The Career Boosters Foundation (ICS Cares) which is going to cater to free Market Readiness Trainings for young graduates, and scholarships for indigent students.
Chairman board of directors, T.S. Areola, also remarked, “As I think back on our journey, it’s hard not to feel a swell of pride and gratitude. It all started 30 years ago when an association of entrepreneurs saw a challenge in the banking sector—a gap that needed to be plugged. With a dream in their hearts and determination in their souls, they set out to help the then new generation banks reduce attrition at the teller points while focusing on their core competences.
“Look at what that simple initiative has grown into today! What started as a small venture has blossomed into a leading institution in the outsourcing industry, serving clients across diverse sectors with dedication and professionalism.
“There’s a quote by Peter F. Drucker that resonates with me: “Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.” That captures our story perfectly. Our journey has been paved with courage, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. We’ve faced so many challenges head-on, made tough decisions, and forged lasting partnerships that have established us as a trusted leader in outsourcing.”
GWG.ng notes that the event was graced with the presence of members of the board of directors, influential industry leaders, and long-term clients.
Among distinguished clients who received awards at the event were: First bank, Eco Bank, Access Bank, Union Bank of Nigeria, Standard Chartered Bank, NCR Nigeria PLC, Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), Unified Payment Services LTD.
Distinguished Individuals who received the Life Time Achieve Award include: Mrs Chinyere Dozie, Rt. Hon. Chevalier Uduimo Justus Itsueli (Ph.D), KSG. OON, Mr. Fola T. Adetola, Mr Ayokunle Akinkugbe, Engr Michael Ufoeze and Mr. Thomas S. Areola.
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