In the evolving landscape of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Nigeria, companies often focus their philanthropic efforts on education, healthcare, or infrastructure. Yet, one business leader, Mr. Deji Somoye, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SG Holdings Limited, is charting a less conventional but profoundly impactful course: strategic investment in faith-based organizations. This unique approach leverages the inherent societal role of religious institutions to build stronger communities, foster values, and create sustainable impact.
Religion, for many, remains a cornerstone of societal cohesion, shaping the moral compass of individuals and communities. Beyond belief, it often instills emotional resilience, mental clarity, and economic discipline, values crucial for a progressive society. Across Nigeria, places of worship serve not only as sanctuaries of faith but also as trusted centers for guidance, learning, and support. It is within this profound understanding that Mr. Somoye has chosen to make significant investments in church infrastructure and religious empowerment, contributing to the spiritual and societal development of the nation.
“At SG Holdings, we believe spiritual growth goes hand-in-hand with national development,” Mr. Somoye states. “A society built on strong moral foundations is better equipped to progress economically and socially. By supporting our faith communities, we are investing in the very fabric of our society.”
This philosophy has translated into tangible projects spanning over a decade. In 2012, Mr. Somoye initiated impactful religious development by constructing and donating a church auditorium to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ekiti Village, Kobape, near Abeokuta, Ogun State. This project, a significant undertaking, was just the beginning of a sustained legacy of faith-based philanthropy.
A decade later, in 2022, he delivered one of his most iconic projects: the Venerable Jacob Olabode Farombi Memorial Anglican Church, complete with a fully furnished vicarage and modern toilet facilities in Olorunsogo, Ojere, Abeokuta. The dedication ceremony was a community celebration, attended by bishops, priests, dignitaries, and stakeholders from both public and private sectors, underscoring the broad appreciation for this vision.
Beyond structures, Mr. Somoye’s commitment extends to the everyday sustenance and enhancement of worship. Over the years, he has expanded his reach by donating 27KVA soundproof generators, essential musical instruments, and hymn books to several churches, including Christ Anglican Church, Ijemo, African Church Cathedral, Idi-Ape, and Venerable Jacob Farombi Memorial Anglican Church, among others. In a demonstration of ongoing care, he funded the extension of the chancel at Christ Anglican Church, Ijemo, in 2018, and in 2023, the entire church auditorium and vicarage underwent a comprehensive repainting and refurnishing. His generosity also reached the Unfailing Jesus Evangelical Ministry in Ita-Bayinbo, Ijemo, Abeokuta, which received ₦2 million in 2016 to support its development.
Perhaps one of the most unique and symbolic contributions came in the form of a trumpet-style processional cross, valued at USD 18,000, donated to Christ Anglican Church, Ijemo, under the Diocese of Egba. This magnificent addition to the church’s liturgical instruments is a deeply symbolic offering that reflects the harmony between faith and music. The trumpet-style design pays homage to the Biblical symbolism of the trumpet as a call to worship, praise, and divine presence. “I am humbled to be able to give back to the church that nurtured my spiritual journey,” Mr. Somoye remarked. “It is my hope that this cross will enrich our worship experience and draw us closer to God through music and reverence.”
The strategic utility of leveraging church infrastructure is further evident in initiatives that bridge spiritual life with practical empowerment. In 2022, Mr. Somoye sponsored a Business Summit for the Anglican Diocese as part of its 46th Diocesan Anniversary. Headlined by Mr. Somoye himself as the lead resource person, the summit was designed to equip clergymen, worshippers, and professionals with practical insights into entrepreneurship and wealth creation, effectively blending spiritual leadership with economic empowerment. This approach extends to the donation of a state-of-the-art E-Library and Youth Development Centre to the Egba West Diocese of the Anglican Communion, situated within the diocesan premises. While a hub for digital literacy and youth programs, its placement within the church structure ensures community integration and sustained access for beneficiaries.
Mr. Deji Somoye’s interventions exemplify a distinctive model of CSR. By strategically investing in religious institutions, he is building unseen pillars of societal strength. His approach demonstrates how CSR can be simultaneously sacred, strategic, and sustainable, laying foundational support for values, resilience, and community well – being that extend far beyond the church walls.