Tree planting: 30,000 units targeted across 10 states in Nigeria
Tree planting, 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 5% to the recommended 25% of national land cover by 2050, as advised by the Food and Agriculture Organization.
In a significant ceremony held on Friday, 29th September, 2023 at the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC), in the heart of Lagos, which serves as 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 Dr. Demola Sogunle, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, accompanied by Mrs. Tosin Leye-Odeyemi, Head of Sustainability, Risk, and Capital Management at Stanbic IBTC, among other distinguished guests.
Dr. Sogunle emphasized that the tree-planting initiative is in consonance with Stanbic IBTC’s core values, which encompasses a profound commitment to social, environmental, and economic impact within society. He assured that the bank would complete the ambitious tree planting program across 10 states of the federation namely- Edo, Ogun, Katsina, Ebonyi, Plateau, Rivers, Cross River, Taraba, Jigawa, and Yobe states respectively towards the end of 2023, with a target of 3,000 trees per state.
He words, “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.”
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, 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. “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”, he advised
The representative of the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Olabode Adeola, who is the Deputy Director, Conservation and Ecology in the Ministry, emphasized the importance 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 also underlined the significance of collaboration between State Governments and financial institutions like Stanbic IBTC.
According to him, “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.”
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The tree planting ceremony at the Lekki Conservation Centre had in attendance the management staff of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation.
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.
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