FirstBank, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), has launched a major tree-planting initiative to enhance Nigeria’s vegetation cover.
According to the bank, the tree planting exercise led by Aishatu Bubaram, the Group Executive, Commercial Banking, North, FirstBank, is part of its 2024 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Week.
The bank stated that the tree-planting event at Government Secondary School (GSS), Karshi, Abuja, which involves planting 50,000 trees, is part of a broader goal to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions and preserving the environment.
Bubaram emphasised the bank’s commitment to planting 50,000 trees nationwide at the event. “The essence of planting these trees is environmental conservation,” she said. “These are economic trees that we believe will outlive our generation and benefit future generations.” “FirstBank’s goal, initiated during our Corporate Sustainability Week in 2023, is to plant 50,000 trees by 2024. We are well on our way to achieving this, with 30,000 trees planted this year,” she added.
“Trees play an indispensable role in our environment. They purify the air we breathe, stabilise the climate, prevent soil erosion, and provide habitats and food for diverse species, including humans. In a world increasingly threatened by climate change, planting trees is one of the most effective ways to restore balance to our ecosystems.
“By planting trees in Abuja, we are actively contributing to the health and well-being of the city. Each tree planted is a step towards reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and enhancing the natural beauty of our urban landscape,” she said.
Bubaram encouraged other financial institutions and individuals to contribute to a greener Nigeria, emphasising that the impact extends beyond the nation and benefits the global environment.
Also, the zonal coordinator, NCF, Muhammad Garba Beyo, expressed the Foundation’s dedication to the initiative, aligning with its biodiversity conservation and sustainable development mission.
“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,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of partnerships and thanked FirstBank for supporting this endeavour. “We are grateful to First Bank of Nigeria Limited for their willingness to support this effort. We assure you that we will take care of the seedlings planted today so that they grow into mature trees,” he said.
Beyo noted that the choice of GSS Karshi as the planting site was strategic, considering the school’s available space and the ageing trees on the premises.
Tanko Madugu Wando, the vice principal (Administration) at GSS Karshi, was also present at the event.
Ogbese Multi-purpose Dam to Enhance Food Production, Job Creation, and Economic Growth — Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has emphasized that the Ogbese Multi-purpose Dam in Ekiti State, once completed, will significantly boost food production, create jobs, and drive economic growth, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Prof Utsev, during the inspection of the dam’s progress on Wednesday, in Ogbese, highlighted that the project, considered a top priority by President Tinubu, will provide 4 megawatts of electricity, support irrigation, enhance water supply, aid farmers, and foster fishery development for Ogbese, Ise, Orun, and surrounding communities.
He noted that the project is 70% complete and assured that the hydropower components will be swiftly installed as the equipment is already on site. He announced that the Federal Government has approved funds for the components while the all turbines were in place and ready for installation. According to the Minister,the irrigation and water supply aspects will be addressed in the project’s second phase.
The Minister explained that he was on a three-day fact-finding tour of the Ministry’s projects in the South West, following President Tinubu’s directive to identify and complete all outstanding projects to combat poverty, create jobs, and ensure food security.
He applauded the people of Ogbese and surrounding areas for their support to the project and encouraged them to engage in the partial commercialization of the River Basin Development Authority to maximize its benefits.
Earlier, Engr. Alli Dallah, Director of Dams and Reservoirs at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, briefed the Minister on the project’s progress, noting that the turbines, cooling systems, generators, and other hydropower components are ready for installation. He further disclosed that the water supply component is intended to provide water for 450,000 residents of Ikere and Ise LGAs of Ekiti State, while the 4-megawatt hydropower generation will cover the entire state.
Engr. Dallah and his team subsequently conducted the Minister around the project site for an equipment inspection.
Engr. Fahd Jamal, the project contractor, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritizing the project’s completion and assured that the job would be completed within the approved time frame.
The Honourable Minister’s entourage included Directors from the Ministry, the Managing Director of Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Ahmed Saliu, and his management team, along with engineers and other key stakeholders.
