Polaris Bank Limited and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) have planted no fewer than 500 economic trees at the Government Secondary School (GSS), Gwagwalada, as part of the bank’s land restoration initiative.
The Managing Director of the bank, Omokayode Lawal, said at the tree planting event in Abuja on Monday, October 14, 2024, that the bank was committed to sustainable practices and land restoration by planting economic trees nationwide.
Lawal, represented by Mr. Osazuwa Igbinoba, the bank’s Divisional Head, Abuja, said the initiative was borne out of the commemoration of World Environment Day celebrated in June.
The 2024 Environment Day focused on “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” which aligned with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
He said the initiative was aimed at contributing to the restoration of degraded areas, the prevention of soil erosion, and the enhancement of overall environmental health.
According to him, our sustainability practices involve promoting responsible banking, empowering people and society, addressing environmental issues, and sustaining economic growth.
“We aim to ensure that every decision we make, from investments to operations, is guided by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Principles.
“The tree planting event today by our institution, Polaris Bank at Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada, FCT, exemplifies our commitment to these values.
“Additionally, by absorbing carbon-dioxide and helping to regulate the climate, trees play a crucial role in reducing overall carbon footprints.
“This tree-planting project is a testament to Polaris Bank’s dedication to environmental stewardship and community well-being, promoting a greener future through corporate responsibility,” he said.
Mohammed Boyi, the Zonal Coordinator, NCF, decried the persistent indiscriminate felling of trees across the country.
Boyi said that there were no corresponding efforts on tree planting to the felling.
He appealed to organisations to also imbibe tree planting culture to sustain the environment.
Boyi said the bank sponsored the purchase of no fewer than 500 seedlings of economic trees including mangoes, guava and berries, among others.
Hajia Fatima Babba, the Director, Core Curricular, FCT Secondary Education Board, said that trees were for proper ventilation, food and fruits and medicinal purposes.
Other benefits of trees according to Babba were production of raw materials, shade and wind breakers, among others.
She said that the school had nominated students who would nurture each of the trees to growth.
The Principal of GSS Gwagwalada, Mr. Victor Orifah, commended the bank for the initiative geared toward environmental conservation.
Orifah said the school would continue to nurture the seedlings as they grew.
The bank had through the initiative planted no fewer than 1,500 trees in schools across Ogun, Kano, Anambra and FCT.
By Ginika Okoye
