By Okosun Dennis
Sterling One Foundation has put its money where its mouth is in its commitment to environmental sustainability that engenders good and healthy coexistence.
On December 16, the foundation cleaned up the popular Alpha Beach, Lekki, Lagos.
Those who frequented the beach for relaxation could not ignore the intensity and candour displayed by those who participated in the exercise.
The Clean-Up exercise was part of its sustainable and peaceful environment initiative.
The event was aimed at tackling the pervasive issue of plastic pollution and fostering a culture of responsible waste management.
The event initiated by the Sterling One Foundation in collaboration with several partners, was a significant stride in environmental conservation efforts within Nigeria, especially to campaign against indiscriminate plastic disposals, and to cultivate a friendly ecosystem.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, expressly informed the gathering of journalists, staff of Sterling Bank, and enthusiastic volunteers on the critical role of responsible waste management.
Reiterating the foundation’s dedication to renewable energy initiatives, she noted its long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability dating back to 2007.
“The efforts made today are not merely about tidying up our immediate surroundings but about safeguarding our well-being and that of future generations,” she said.
Drawing attention to the alarming statistics and the increased plastic pollution in the oceans by 2050, Mrs. Ibekwe reemphasized the interconnectedness of environmental conservation and individual well-being.
However, growing concerns and the effects of indiscriminate dumping of plastics might displace fish in the ocean hence there must be concerted efforts to highlight the urgency and take proactive steps to educate people while changing their mindset on the implications of their actions.
Apart from cleaning the beach which was one of the aims, much more significantly, the event served as a veritable platform to create robust awareness of the need to properly and sensibly manage waste and imbibe management practices.
The event was not only limited to Lagos but a nationwide exercise, spreading across other 27 locations, within the six geo-political zones of the country and the last for 2023.
“The Foundation’s unwavering commitment and ambition foresee much more impactful initiatives in the future, spreading awareness and effecting tangible change nationwide”, Mrs. Ibekwe reiterated.
On his part, the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who was represented by the Special Adviser, Mr. Olamidosu Rotimi-Akodu, emphasized unity as a tool in tackling environmental challenges.
Despite acknowledging the existing challenges, he expressed a desire for continuous collaboration with diverse organisations, envisioning regular cleanups across the state to effectively address environmental concerns.
“We remain resolute in our ambition to transform Lagos State into a plastic-free environment,” he noted.
Sterling Bank as a driver of this initiative on National Cleanup at Alpha Beach, further showcased the commitment of the Bank, a key funding partner, to continue to play a pivotal role in supporting an impactful clean, and sustainable environment for human habitation.
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