DBN Plants Trees to Tackle Climate Change, Deforestation
In an impressive undertaking to celebrate World Environment Day 2024, the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Plc recently announced the completion of a significant environmental project. In a bid to combat critical environmental challenges, DBN has successfully planted more than 3,000 trees across Lagos and Abuja. This initiative was guided by this year’s World Environment Day theme: ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience’.
The United Nations established World Environment Day as an essential platform for raising awareness and encouraging actions that benefit the environment. This year, DBN decided to take a stand against environmental degradation through a robust tree-planting campaign. The bank’s efforts were centered in two of Nigeria’s most strategic locations: the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos and Kpeygi.
During the ceremony, DBN’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, highlighted the integral role reforestation plays in combating desertification and preserving biodiversity. “Land restoration is key to maintaining ecological balance and counteracting the negative impacts of desertification,” Okpanachi stated. “Through our tree planting efforts, we aim to secure a sustainable environment for the coming generations, making a substantial contribution towards the fight against climate change, enhancing air quality, and boosting biodiversity within our communities.”
Okpanachi further elaborated on the tree planting initiative as part of the bank’s larger commitment to sustainability. The incorporation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its business model underscores DBN’s dedication to these vital issues.
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), represented by Uchenna Achunine, the organisation’s Director of Business Development and Communications, on behalf of Dr. Joseph Onoja, NCF’s Director-General, lauded the DBN’s initiative. Achunine praised DBN’s commitment to fostering an organizational culture centered on environmental responsibility. “The tree planting project sows the seeds for a future that is more resilient and greener, offering widespread benefits for both humanity and the planet,” Achunine remarked.
Through its tree planting campaign, DBN not only celebrated World Environment Day in a meaningful way but also set a precedent for corporate environmental responsibility in Nigeria. Initiatives like these play a crucial role in promoting a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship, paving the way for a healthier planet for future generations.
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