Polaris Bank, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), has extended its nationwide tree-planting campaign to three strategic locations: Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in Ogun, and Sardauna Memorial College in Kaduna, as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
The initiative, launched in 2024, aims to plant 10,000 trees across Nigeria and aligns with the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, a global movement to revive degraded landscapes and combat climate change.
The bank’s latest outreach reinforces its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, restoring biodiversity, and promoting sustainable practices across the nation.
At the Lagos edition held at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Polaris Bank’s Executive Directors, Chris Ofikulu (Commercial and Retail) and Sharafadeen Muhammad (Operations), joined NCF partners and volunteers in planting indigenous tree species.
Ofikulu, who led the bank’s inaugural tree-planting event last year, reiterated the importance of corporate responsibility in environmental protection.
“Sustainability is not just a responsibility, it’s a business imperative,” he said. “Through this initiative, Polaris Bank reaffirms its role beyond banking services and remains committed to the collective goal of planting 10,000 trees.”
Muhammad echoed the sentiment, describing the campaign as a shared responsibility that benefits both the planet and future generations.
“We must protect our environment while creating reserves that conserve nature and generate economic value,” he said.
In Ogun State, the campaign moved to FUNAAB, where Polaris Bank’s Divisional Head for Ogun/Oyo, Yetunde Okeleye, led the tree-planting effort.
Okeleye highlighted the ecological and social impact of planting economic trees, which contribute to soil stabilisation, erosion control, and climate adaptation.
“Our partnership with NCF at FUNAAB underscores our resolve to restore degraded land and combat climate change,” Okeleye said. “This initiative reflects our ethos as a bank, where sustainability is woven into our operations and community engagement.”
In Kaduna, Acting Group Head for Polaris Bank’s North West region, Kabir Lawal, led staff and volunteers in planting trees at Sardauna Memorial College. He reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to environmental, social and governance principles, noting that sustainability is embedded in Polaris’ culture.
“Beyond reducing carbon footprints, our tree-planting initiative restores degraded areas, improves environmental health, and raises awareness about preservation,” said Lawal.
The NCF commended Polaris’ leadership, noting that the selected trees—comprising fruit-bearing and shade-providing species—would offer multiple benefits, including food security, wind breaking, and erosion control.
Community representatives from FUNAAB and Sardauna College expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful in addressing Nigeria’s environmental challenges.
