By Ayomide Otitoju
Polaris Bank has launched a tree-planting initiative in Ogun State to combat the effects of climate change and promote environmental sustainability. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), took place at Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Monday.
Chris Ofikulu, Executive Director of Polaris Bank, highlighted the importance of forest regeneration in addressing climate change. The pilot project involves planting 500 tree seedlings in the state, demonstrating the bank’s commitment to combating environmental degradation. Of the 500 seedlings, 250 will be planted at the university, with the remaining 250 to be planted at another location in the state.
“This initiative commemorates World Environment Day in June 2024, aligning with this year’s theme on ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,’ as well as the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030),” Ofikulu stated. “Polaris Bank is dedicated to sustainable practices and land restoration, starting with Ogun State. Sustainability is a core value for us, guiding our commitment to responsible banking, empowering society, addressing environmental issues, and promoting sustainable economic growth.”
The Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adekunle Adeogun, expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank for partnering with the university in such a significant cause. He emphasized the global importance of tree-planting in mitigating climate change effects such as extreme heat, drought, and flooding.
Ayodele Alamu, Senior Manager of Partnerships at NCF, underscored the critical need for afforestation to restore Nigeria’s forest cover. “Deforestation has reduced our forest cover from 30 percent to between 6 and 8 percent, leading to land degradation and erosion,” Alamu noted. “This tree-planting project with Polaris Bank and TASUED is crucial in addressing these challenges and ensuring environmental sustainability. It is an effort that requires everyone’s involvement to combat climate change and its adverse effects.”
