Stanbic IBTC Holdings, a member of the Standard Bank Group, is actively supporting the Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) Programme in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). The aim is to elevate Nigeria’s forest cover from its current meager five per cent to the recommended 25% of national land cover by 2050, as advised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
In a significant ceremony held on last Friday at the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC), nestled within the heart of Lagos, and serving as the NCF’s headquarters, Stanbic IBTC reaffirmed its commitment to this crucial initiative. Enhancing the nation’s forest cover not only grants access to valuable forest resources and sustenance but also fosters heightened biodiversity and curbs the transmission of zoonotic diseases between wildlife and humans.
The tree planting ceremony was led by the Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Dr. Demola Sogunle, accompanied by Head of Sustainability, Risk, and Capital Management, Mrs. Tosin Leye-Odeyemi, among other distinguished guests.
Sogunle emphasised that this tree-planting initiative aligns seamlessly with Stanbic IBTC’s core values, which encompass a profound commitment to social, environmental, and economic impact within society. He assured that Stanbic IBTC would complete the ambitious tree planting programme across 10 states of the federation – Edo, Ogun, Katsina, Ebonyi, Plateau, Rivers, Cross River, Taraba, Jigawa and Yobe – by the close of 2023, with a target of 3,000 trees in each state.
He said: “We are initiating this tree planting drive as the first of many going forward. Stanbic IBTC remains steadfast in addressing climate change issues and creating a hospitable environment for all Nigerians”.
NCF Director General, Dr. Joseph Onoja commended Stanbic IBTC for its commendable efforts, expressing hope that both public and corporate entities in Nigeria will follow suit and engage in large-scale tree planting initiatives across the country’s geopolitical zones.
He further said: “I recommend this practice to every Nigerian; planting trees plays an essential role in our ecosystem and contributes significantly to a sustainable and healthier planet”.
The Deputy Director of Conservation and Ecology of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Olabode Adeola emphasised the necessity of citizen involvement in this endeavor. He advocated for citizens to plant trees in their own spaces, cultivate rooftop gardens, and participate in community gardening projects to make a substantial impact.
Adeola, who represented the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, also underlined the significance of collaboration between state governments and financial institutions like Stanbic IBTC.
He said: “In addition to individual efforts, state governments must collaborate with financial institutions like Stanbic IBTC. By partnering with these stakeholders, we can develop innovative solutions, share resources, and create a collective impact that will transform our city into an oasis of green”.
The tree planting ceremony at the Lekki Conservation Centre was graced by the presence of the management staff of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, further underscoring the collaborative spirit behind this commendable effort to enhance Nigeria’s forest cover and promote a more sustainable and biodiverse future.
Stanbic IBTC’s dedication to environmental sustainability, as evidenced by this initiative, highlights its commitment to a greener and more prosperous Nigeria. This remarkable undertaking aligns with global efforts to combat climate change, safeguard biodiversity, and create a healthier, more habitable planet for current and future generations.
