Polaris Bank on Monday, July 1, 2024, flagged off its tree planting project at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, in Ogun State.
Mr Chris Ofikulu, an Executive Director of the bank, in his remarks at the event, said that forest regeneration through tree planting was vital to fighting the devastating effects of climate change.
Ofikulu said that tree planting would also enhance environmental sustainability.
He disclosed that the pilot project by the bank in partnership with Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) entailed planting of 500 tree seedlings in Ogun.
Ofikulu said that the initiative would further give bite to the bank’s serious commitment to fighting environmental degradation.
The executive director further said that the initiative was to commemorate the World Environment Day held on June 2024.
He revealed that 250 tree seedlings would be planted in the university while the remaining would be planted in other parts of the state to be determined soon.
“The 2024 theme focuses on Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience, which aligns with the United Nation 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.
“At Polaris Bank, sustainability is not just a catchphrase, it is our ethos.
“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 (ESG) principles,” Ofikulu said.
The executive director further said that the tree planting scheme demonstrated the bank’s dedication to encouraging sustainable economic growth and appreciating the importance of environmental preservation.
He explained that the choice of TASUED as the starting point for the bank’s Tree Planting Project was borne out of the long-standing relationship with the university.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, appreciated the bank for its committed interest in partnering with the university over worthy causes such as the issue of tree planting.
Banjo, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Adeogun, solicited for more collaboration from the bank.
Earlier, Ayodele Alamu, Senior Manager, Partnerships, NCF, said that the whole essence of the initiative was to achieve afforestation and restore the forest cover in Nigeria.
Ofikulu later led the university management team in symbolic planting of some tree seedlings in the university.
By Joy Akinsanya
