By Ayomide Otitoju
Polaris Bank, in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), has expanded its nationwide tree-planting campaign to three new locations: the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos State, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in Ogun State, and Sardauna Memorial College in Kaduna State.
The initiative, first launched in 2024 as part of the bank’s World Environment Day activities, aims to combat climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable environmental practices across Nigeria.
At the Lagos exercise, held at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Polaris Bank Executive Directors Chris Ofikulu and Sharafadeen Muhammad joined NCF partners to lead the campaign. Ofikulu recalled spearheading the bank’s maiden tree-planting activity at TASUED, Ogun State, last year, stressing that the programme aligns with the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. “Polaris Bank sees sustainability not merely as a responsibility but as a business imperative,” he said.
Muhammad, in his remarks, described the exercise as a shared responsibility to protect the planet, adding that reserves and conservation efforts must also create long-term economic value.
In Ogun State, Yetunde Okeleye, Divisional Head for Ogun/Oyo, noted that the project underscores the bank’s commitment to restoring degraded land, preventing soil erosion, and combating climate change.
Similarly, in Kaduna, Acting Group Head for the North West, Kabir Lawal, reaffirmed that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles guide the bank’s operations. He described the exercise at Sardauna Memorial College as proof of Polaris Bank’s culture of sustainability.
The NCF lauded the initiative, highlighting the ecological and social benefits of the selected fruit-bearing and shade-providing trees, including erosion control, food security, and wind protection.
Community representatives from FUNAAB and Sardauna College expressed appreciation, calling the effort timely in addressing global climate challenges.
Polaris Bank said it remains committed to integrating sustainability into its operations, pledging to continue driving climate action, community development, and long-term inclusive growth.
