Polaris Bank, NCF partner on tree-planting initiative expansion

Polaris Bank has expanded its nationwide tree-planting initiative in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation in a show of commitment to environmental sustainability.

A statement from the bank on Wednesday said that the latest exercise took place at Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada, in the Federal Capital Territory on October 14, 2024, following a similar event at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Anambra State just days earlier.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy by Polaris Bank to align its operations with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), which stresses the urgent need for land restoration and resilience against desertification and drought.

It stated that the theme resonated with the 2024 World Environment Day, underscoring the bank’s proactive stance in promoting sustainable practices aimed at restoring degraded lands and enhancing biodiversity across Nigeria.

The Directorate Head for Abuja, Osazuwa Igbinoba, articulated the bank’s ethos, stating, “Sustainability is embedded in our business strategy and actions at Polaris Bank.”

He noted that the tree-planting efforts not only aim to restore natural ecosystems but also focus on planting economic trees to ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.

The Directorate Head for the South East, Chiwetalu Nwatu, emphasised that sustainability was at the heart of the bank’s operations, encompassing more than just financial services. He noted that Polaris Bank’s approach integrated responsible banking with societal empowerment and environmental responsibility, all grounded in environmental, social, and governance principles.

“The significance of tree planting as a countermeasure against climate change cannot be overstated. Thus, the initiative addresses critical issues such as soil erosion, air quality improvement, and climate regulation through carbon dioxide absorption.

The bank’s efforts are not isolated; they form part of a nationwide campaign that has seen similar initiatives executed at various educational institutions and community reserves across Nigeria,” he added.

He noted that the project not only enhanced local ecosystems but also served as a public call to action on the importance of environmental preservation.

‘Through collaborative efforts like these, Polaris Bank seeks to inspire individuals, communities and organisations to engage in environmental restoration and contribute to a sustainable future for all,” he asserted.