FirstBank partners with Nigerian conservation foundation to plant 50,000 trees in nationwide environmental initiative

FirstBank has partnered with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to launch a major tree-planting initiative aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s vegetation cover.

This initiative, part of FirstBank’s 2024 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Week, underscores the bank’s commitment to combating climate change by reducing carbon emissions and preserving the environment.

The tree-planting exercise, led by Aishatu Bubaram, the Group Executive of Commercial Banking, North, at FirstBank, took place at Government Secondary School (GSS), Karshi, Abuja. The event marks the continuation of a broader goal to plant 50,000 trees nationwide, a target that FirstBank initiated during its Corporate Sustainability Week in 2023. Bubaram proudly announced that the bank is on track to meet this goal, with 30,000 trees already planted this year.

“The essence of planting these trees is environmental conservation,” Bubaram stated. “These are economic trees that we believe will outlive our generation and benefit future generations. Trees play an indispensable role in our environment, purifying the air we breathe, stabilizing the climate, preventing soil erosion, and providing habitats for diverse species, including humans.”

She further highlighted the critical importance of such initiatives in the face of growing environmental challenges, stating that each tree planted in Abuja contributes to reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and enhancing the city’s natural beauty. Bubaram also called on other financial institutions and individuals to join in the effort to create a greener Nigeria, emphasizing that the benefits extend beyond national borders and contribute to the global environment.

Muhammad Garba Beyo, the Zonal Coordinator for NCF, also spoke at the event, aligning the Foundation’s mission with the initiative. “The Nigerian Conservation Foundation, established 42 years ago, focuses on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Our Green Recovery initiative is designed to improve Nigeria’s vegetation cover, which currently stands at less than 3%—a critical issue given the environmental challenges we face,” Beyo explained.

He expressed gratitude to FirstBank for their support and assured that the seedlings planted would be nurtured into mature trees. Beyo also noted the strategic choice of GSS Karshi as the planting site, citing the school’s available space and the presence of aging trees as key factors.

Tanko Madugu Wando, the Vice Principal (Administration) at GSS Karshi, was present at the event, supporting the initiative that promises to make a lasting impact on both the local environment and future generations.