Polaris Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), tree planting initiative commenced on Monday, July 1, at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The Bank is partnering the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) on land restoration through tree planting initiative. Chris Ofikulu, Executive Director, Polaris Bank while speaking at the event said the tree planting initiative was borne out of the institution’s commemoration of the World Environment Day in June 2024.
Ofikulu said: “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 State. “It is noteworthy to mention that we are commencing this initiative with Ogun State.
“At Polaris Bank, sustainability is not just a catchphrase. It is our ethos. It is a journey in which we are committed to walk in with conviction.
“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.”
Why did the bank choose the institution out of all the institutions around? Ofikulu said, “Our choice of TASUED as the starting port for the bank’s tree planting project is borne out of our long-standing relationship with the University, which commenced with the erstwhile SKYE BANK in 2007. The relationship has today remained very cordial and mutually beneficial to both organisations.”
He said further, “Today’s tree planting exercise at Tai Solarin University of Education in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is a testament to our commitment to these sustainability principles.”
According to him, the tree planting project aligns perfectly with World Environment Day, in addition to reducing carbon footprints and enhancing the natural ecosystem. Aside from that, it is also to promote public awareness regarding the importance of environmental preservation. The bank executive said, “This tree-planting project signposts Polaris Bank’s way of giving back to the society through dedication to environmental stewardship and community well-being, promoting a greener future through Corporate Responsibility.”
Prof Oluwole Banjo, TASUED Vice Chancellor, who was represented by Professor Adekunle Adeogun, Deputy Vice Chancellor, said Polaris Bank had contributed immensely to the development of the university, while imploring to the management to give more support for TASUED promising that the relationship shall be for mutual benefits.
Ayodele Alamu, Senior Manager, Partnerships, NCF earlier said the whole essence of the initiative is to achieve afforestation and restore the forest cover in Nigeria. Alamu said the vision of the NCF is to achieve at least 25% of forest cover in the country. He said, “Today, deforestation is a big challenge such that our forest cover which used to be 30% years back is now in between 6 to 8% and the consequences of this is land degradation, erosion, among others
“However, efforts such as this tree-planting project being done in partnership with Polaris Bank and TASUED will really help to arrest this challenge and enhance sustainability of our environment.” He said It should be the responsibility of all to contribute to the change in the environment and prevent or manage the consequences.