In a transfer that reinforces its dedication to environmental sustainability, First Financial institution of Nigeria Restricted has planted 50,000 timber throughout the nation inside three years, fulfilling its pledge underneath the financial institution’s Company Accountability and Sustainability (CR&S) initiative.
The chief govt of FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, disclosed this on Friday throughout a tree-planting ceremony held on the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos State, as a part of actions marking the financial institution’s 2025 CR&S Week.
Alebiosu, whereas addressing stakeholders, companions, and volunteers on the tree planting occasion, mentioned the initiative displays the financial institution’s long-standing dedication to selling biodiversity, conservation, and local weather consciousness.
“It’s a pleasure to associate as soon as once more with the Nigerian Conservation Basis (NCF) on this initiative, demonstrating our shared dedication to selling biodiversity, conservation and local weather consciousness – key pillars of our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) values,” he mentioned.
The FirstBank CEO defined that the marketing campaign, launched in 2023, was designed to attain the planting of fifty,000 timber by 2025 — a goal the financial institution has now accomplished.
“This marketing campaign, which was formally launched in 2023 with the imaginative and prescient of planting 50,000 timber by 2025, noticed us planting 1,000 timber on the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos in 2023, and an extra 30,000 timber in 2024, throughout the CR&S Week,” he famous. “This yr, I’m happy to tell you that we are going to be planting 20,000 timber in keeping with our earlier promise of fifty,000 timber by 2025.”
In keeping with him, the hassle aligns with the Paris Settlement and Nigeria’s Inexperienced Restoration Plan, reinforcing FirstBank’s resolve to contribute meaningfully to each nationwide and world local weather motion.
“These efforts align with the targets of the Paris Settlement and Nigeria’s Inexperienced Restoration Plan, reinforcing our resolve to contribute meaningfully to world and nationwide efforts in combating local weather change and selling ecological restoration,” Alebiosu mentioned.
He emphasised that the financial institution’s sustainability drive is rooted in its over 130-year legacy of supporting nationwide growth. “At FirstBank, our dedication to environmental stewardship is deeply rooted in our legacy of over 130 years of nation-development. We recognise {that a} thriving economic system relies on a thriving planet. Due to this fact, we should all come collectively and make deliberate efforts to protect the ecosystems that maintain life and livelihood,” he acknowledged.
Highlighting the theme of this yr’s CR&S Week, “SPARK… A Manner of Life,” Alebiosu mentioned the marketing campaign encourages Nigerians to “Begin Performing Acts of Random Kindness,” including that true management goes past company success.
“Right this moment, as we collect to plant timber, allow us to keep in mind: we’re not simply inserting seedlings into the bottom; we’re sowing seeds of hope, renewal, and sustainability,” he mentioned. “We’re reaffirming our perception that sustainability just isn’t merely a company obligation however a shared duty that binds us all – as people, organisations, and a nation.”
Alebiosu recommended the Nigerian Conservation Basis and volunteers for his or her partnership and dedication, noting that their contributions encourage the financial institution’s sustainability journey.
“To our companions at NCF and each volunteer current right here right now, I categorical my heartfelt appreciation to you all. Your contribution and enthusiasm proceed to be our inspiration to do extra,” he mentioned.
He additional urged Nigerians to undertake sustainable life for the planet and their monetary well-being.
“As we nurture these timber, allow us to additionally nurture habits that guarantee a sustainable future — not only for the planet, however for our funds. By options like FirstMobile and FirstAdvance, FirstBank continues to empower people and companies to develop, plan, and be Giants,” Alebiosu added.
