The UBA Foundation, following the lead of its Chairman, Tony Elumelu, has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental preservation and ecological conservation in line with global efforts to combat climate change.
To ensure the safety of the environment and advance its environmental mandate, the Foundation initiated its 2023 Tree Planting Campaign in partnership with the Lagos State Parks and Garden Agency (LASPARK). The campaign commenced at the UBA Foundation Garden in Marina Lagos and the International Airport Setback Garden in Ikeja Lagos. Furthermore, tree planting events were held across all UBA locations in the 20 African countries, under the theme: “Shades of Hope: One Tree at a Time.”
During the campaign launch, UBA’s Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, highlighted the bank’s active engagement in environmental conservation to protect Africa’s natural ecosystems. By collaborating with stakeholders and government agencies, the UBA Foundation supports programs that promote biodiversity and ecosystem health, serving as a driving force for sustainable practices.
Alawuba stressed the urgency of taking climate change seriously, particularly in the wake of recent heatwaves reported in the United States, United Kingdom, and China. He emphasized the need to act swiftly to save the planet for future generations, and planting trees remains a crucial step in achieving this goal.
Through the Tree Planting Campaign, the UBA Foundation aims to make a positive impact on the environment and inspire a collective effort towards preserving nature and combating climate change.
“To us as a bank, this is very symbolic as we are committed to saving our host communities. We are very strong on our Corporate Social Responsibilities, infact, as a bank, UBA devotes one percent of its annual profit to improve education, the environment, and to generally give back to the society where we operate.”
Earlier this month in London, the Group Chairman, UBA, Tony Elumelu, who is also the Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation joined King Charles III of the United Kingdom and US President Joe Biden at the Climate Finance Mobilisation Forum to help attract a new generation of capital to combat climate change.
Elumelu, who has been in the forefront of sustainability efforts in Africa, and also one of Africa’s most prominent advocates for equitable climate finance, has been working with top world leaders towards creating sustainable climate solutions. According to Tony Elumelu, the world needs bold actions and innovative new partnerships between public, private, and philanthropic actors.
One of the key partners with UBA Foundation on its sustainability efforts is LASPARK. The General Manager, Mrs Adetoun Popoola, who was at the tree planting effort in Lagos, commended UBA for its efforts at planting over 1,000 trees, across all its branches in Africa, as she added that initiatives such as these complement government efforts.
She said; “Collaborations such as these are important, and we do not fail to let people know that planting trees is very crucial to build a safer and sustainable environment which is important for us.
“So, we advise that people should learn to plant trees for special events, such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and others, you can plant at your balconies, gardens, rooftops galleries, anywhere.”