Sterling Bank, in partnership with Sterling One Foundation, Sunbeth, government agencies, and community volunteers, has reinforced its commitment to climate action with a nationwide environmental cleanup and beach adoption exercise spanning 17 states.
The initiative, held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, formed part of efforts aligned with the United Nations Decade of Action and targeted plastic and waste pollution across major locations, including Wuse Market in Abuja, Alpha Beach in Lagos, and communities in 15 other states.
Hundreds of volunteers—comprising environmental experts, youth groups, community members, and government representatives—participated in the exercise, clearing waste, promoting recycling awareness, and advocating responsible waste disposal practices to restore the health of Nigeria’s environment.
Speaking at the Abuja cleanup, Tunde Akande, Business Executive, Institutional Banking at Sterling Bank, said sustaining clean and safe cities depends largely on local participation.
“The effort in Abuja, where residents and institutions work hand-in-hand, truly embodies communal responsibility and environmental pride,” Akande noted.
Also speaking, Engr. Braimah Osilama, Director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, represented by Omenta Rachael Chinenye, Head of Community Sanitation and Education, described the initiative as critical to long-term environmental progress.
“This partnership-driven effort is vital. Lasting change requires continuous education, community engagement, and strong institutional support,” she said, while commending volunteers for their commitment.
At Alpha Beach in Lagos, Akporee Idenedo, Divisional Head of Commercial Banking at Sterling Bank, praised the collective energy of participants, reaffirming the bank’s long-standing environmental commitment.
“Our Sterling Environmental Makeover (STEM) programme has thrived for over a decade. We remain committed to protecting public spaces and improving quality of life through environmental sustainability,” Idenedo stated.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, described the nationwide cleanup as a testament to the power of collective action.
“This is a powerful demonstration of what Nigerians can achieve when united by purpose. Every act of service contributes to a cleaner, healthier future,” she said, adding that the Foundation remains focused on deepening environmental awareness and strengthening partnerships.
Across all 18 locations involved in the exercise, volunteers collected plastic waste, cleared debris, and took part in sensitisation sessions on recycling, waste sorting, and responsible disposal practices.
The initiative underscores Sterling Bank and Sterling One Foundation’s broader commitment to sustainability, partnerships, and climate action as key drivers of long-term social and environmental impact in Nigeria.
