1 month ago
17 ARTICLE AD
The Polaris Bank has partnered with the University of Ibadan in Oyo State and the Nigeria Conservation Foundation on land restoration through a tree planting initiative.
The programme was held on Thursday at the institution’s Vice Chancellor’s office in Ibadan, the state capital.
During the event, Polaris Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Abimbola Ozomah, said the initiative was part of the bank’s corporate social responsibilities.
Ozomah said, “The initiative was borne out of a desire to continuously make a positive impact on our own environment and communities as well as our commemoration on World Environment Day. The Environment Day focuses on land restoration and desertification which aligns with the UN decade on Ecosystem restoration which we all know is a ten-year initiative that runs from 2021 all the way down to 2030.
“It is in support of this that Polaris Bank is committed to sustainable practices and land restoration by planting economic trees nationwide. At Polaris, it’s a journey we are committed to working with conviction. 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 that we make right from investment to operations is guided by environmental social and governance practices or principles.”
Ozomah explained that the exercise at the University of Ibadan was a testament to the commitment of the bank’s principles.
“The project aligns with World Environment Day and in addition to reducing carbon foot print and enhancing our natural ecosystem. It aims to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental preservation.
“The benefits of tree planting initiative cannot be overemphasized. It contributes significantly to the restoration of the graded areas, the prevention of soil erosion and enhancement of overall environmental health.” She added.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor, Kayode Adebowale, who was represented by the Registrar, Ganiyu Saliu, said, “When we look at our environment, we discovered that there are issues, and the governments had tried in time past to resolve the issue of environmental degradation.
“I won’t shy away from saying the truth that most of my efforts had been paying lip service to solving the problems. It is therefore act that we are having this tripartite relationship approach solving the problems.”
