By JKNewsMedia
TO EXPAND its environmental conservation efforts, Polaris Bank has partnered with the University of Ibadan (UI) and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) through a major tree planting initiative.
This initiative emphasizes the urgent need for environmental restoration in Nigeria, where deforestation and land degradation threaten ecosystems.
The bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability emerged during a courtesy visit to the UI, where discussions focused on conservation efforts.
Representatives from Polaris Bank and NCF emphasized their shared goal of promoting sustainable practices and restoring degraded land.
They highlighted this initiative as a significant step in the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, aimed at positively impacting both the environment and local communities.
Abimbola Ozomah, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director of Corporate & Investment Banking, remarked on the bank’s role in commemorating World Environment Day (WED) 2024 by launching nationwide tree planting activities.
The theme for WED 2024 is centered on land restoration, drought resilience, and combating desertification.
Ozomah stated that the bank aligns with global environmental efforts, including the United Nations’ ecosystem restoration goals, and has taken concrete steps to advance these initiatives across Nigeria.
In collaboration with NCF, the bank has begun planting economic trees to rejuvenate degraded lands.
This is said to be a part of the bank’s broader sustainability practices, which include responsible banking, environmental conservation, and fostering economic growth.
The bank’s approach also involves addressing critical environmental challenges while empowering communities to thrive through sustainable development.
The visit to the UI culminated in the planting of trees on campus, symbolizing the shared commitment between the academic institution and Polaris Bank to protect and restore natural resources.
This partnership will be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ensuring long-term collaboration in conservation projects.
Mr. Adedayo Memudu, a Senior Manager at the NCF, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to working with Polaris Bank to preserve the environment.
He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the need for harmony between humans and nature, urging Nigerian citizens to take proactive steps toward environmental stewardship.
UI’s Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Saliu, expressed the institution’s gratitude for the partnership and stressed the university’s ongoing efforts to maintain a green campus.
He noted that the university’s conservation strategy, which limits indiscriminate tree felling and promotes structured management of vegetation, is a testament to its dedication to environmental sustainability.
Back on July 1, 2024, at the Tai Solarin University of Education, this initiative began as part of the bank’s broader nationwide effort which kicked off on followed by tree planting at the Ajingi Community Reserve in Kano on August 30, and most recently at the UI on October 3.
The bank’s drive to restore Nigeria’s natural resources is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) and other global sustainability initiatives.
Furthermore, the bank’s proactive approach to tackling environmental challenges, including land degradation, makes it a key player in promoting sustainability in Nigeria.
Also, its involvement in tree planting and land restoration efforts reflects its broader commitment to responsible banking and long-term development, supporting both national and international goals for environmental protection.
