Polaris Bank has introduced a tree-planting program in Ogun State, a crucial step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
At the Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijagun, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Monday, Chris Ofikulu, Executive Director of Polaris Bank, stressed the importance of forest regeneration in mitigating the effects of climate change, during a tree-planting exercise.
The Executive Director revealed that the bank has partnered with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation to implement a pilot project, which entails the planting of 500 tree seedlings in the state, showcasing the bank’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Ofikulu explained that 250 tree seedlings will be planted in the university while the remaining will be planted in another part of the state to be determined soon.
Ofikulu said, “This initiative is to commemorate the World Environment Day in June 2024. This year’s theme focuses on ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,’ which aligns with the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
“In support of this, Polaris Bank has committed to sustainable practices and land restoration by planting trees nationwide in regions affected by erosion, such as Ogun. It is noteworthy to mention that we are commencing this initiative with Ogun State. At Polaris Bank, sustainability is not just a catchphrase. It is our ethos. It is a journey in which we are committed to walk in with conviction.”
He added, “Our sustainability practices involve promoting responsible banking, empowering people and society, addressing environmental issues, and sustainable economic growth. We aim to ensure that every decision we make, from investments to operations, is guided by the Environmental, Social, and Governance principles.”
Prof Adekunle Adeogun, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof Oluwole Banjo, appreciated the bank’s commitment to collaborating with the university on vital projects like tree-planting, a widely accepted approach to mitigating the impacts of climate change, including intense heat, drought, and flooding.
During his speech, Ayodele Alamu, NCF’s Senior Manager of Partnerships, highlighted the initiative’s goal of restoring Nigeria’s forest cover through afforestation.
Alamu said, “Today, deforestation is a big challenge such that our forest cover which used to be 30 per cent years back is now between 6 to 8 per cent and the consequences of this are land degradation, and erosion, among others.
“However, efforts such as this tree-planting project being done in partnership with Polaris Bank and TASUED will help to arrest this challenge and enhance the sustainability of our environment.
“It is what every one of us must get involved in to fight climate change and the attendant negative consequences.”
