Polaris Bank, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), has expanded its nationwide tree-planting campaign to three strategic locations: the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos State, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, and Sardauna Memorial College, Kaduna State.

The initiative, which began in 2024 during the Bank’s World Environment Day commemoration, forms part of Polaris Bank’s broader commitment to tackling climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable environmental practices across Nigeria.

At the Lagos edition held at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Polaris Bank Executive Directors, Chris Ofikulu and Sharafadeen Muhammad, joined partners from NCF and other stakeholders in planting trees.

Mr. Ofikulu, Executive Director, Commercial and Retail, recalled leading the Bank’s first tree-planting exercise in 2024 at TASUED, Ogun State, and stressed that the campaign aligns with the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. 

“Sustainability is not merely a responsibility but a business imperative for us,” Ofikulu said.

 He added that the Bank is committed to planting 10,000 trees nationwide.

Also speaking, Mr. Muhammad, Executive Director, Operations, emphasized that protecting the planet is a shared responsibility. He encouraged the establishment of reserves that conserve nature while creating economic value, reaffirming Polaris Bank’s support for the initiative.

In Ogun State, Divisional Head, Ogun/Oyo, Mrs. Yetunde Okeleye, noted that planting economic trees across the country underscores the Bank’s ethos of sustainability. 

“Our partnership with NCF at FUNAAB demonstrates our resolve to restore degraded land, prevent soil erosion, and combat climate change,” she said.

Similarly, at the Kaduna edition, Acting Group Head, North West, Mr. Kabir Lawal, described sustainability as part of the Bank’s culture and ESG-driven strategy. 

 “Beyond reducing carbon footprints, this initiative restores degraded areas, prevents erosion, improves environmental health, and raises awareness about preservation,” he added.

The NCF commended Polaris Bank’s leadership and disclosed that the selected tree species, including fruit-bearing and shade-providing varieties, will deliver multiple benefits such as erosion control, windbreaking, shade provision, and food security.

Community representatives from FUNAAB and Sardauna Memorial College expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank and NCF, describing the initiative as timely and impactful in addressing global climate challenges.

Polaris Bank continues to embed sustainability into its operations, ensuring that climate action and community development remain central to its long-term growth strategy. Through collaborations like this, the Bank reaffirms its role as a catalyst for positive environmental and social impact.