In recognition of World Environment Day 2024, Union Bank has underscored the critical importance of adopting sustainable environmental practices to preserve and restore the planet. The call to action came during a collaborative event organised with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) at the Lekki Conservation Centre.
The programme brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including environmental rights activists, international partner agencies, corporate institutions, government agencies, and students from select secondary schools. The goal was to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire tangible actions to address pressing environmental challenges.
Patricia Iwhewhe, Head of Citizenship and Sustainability at Union Bank, emphasised the urgency of tackling land degradation and erosion. “These are not issues that stakeholders and policymakers can afford to ignore or gloss over,” she stated. “We must collectively engage in restoring and reclaiming parts of our environment that have been severely impacted by deforestation and desertification.”
As a committed sustainability champion, Union Bank recognises its responsibility to safeguard the planet. “We will continue to support and participate in programmes dedicated to protecting and enriching our precious habitat,” Iwhewhe affirmed.
Aligning with this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” a highlight of the event was a tree-planting exercise. Participants from various stakeholder groups joined forces to plant trees, symbolising their commitment to rejuvenating and revitalising land devastated by deforestation, erosion, and desertification globally and within Nigeria.
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), a leading environmental organisation, has been at the forefront of preserving and protecting nature and its resources since its inception. Their partnership with Union Bank in this initiative underscores the shared vision of fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.
By promoting sustainable practices and encouraging collective action, Union Bank aims to inspire organisations and individuals alike to prioritise environmental conservation and play an active role in restoring the planet’s delicate ecosystems.