In a landmark week dedicated to environmental progress, Sterling Bank Limited spearheaded a comprehensive National Sustainability Week that brought together key stakeholders to explore digital and innovative solutions for a greener future. The initiative, led by the bank’s Sustainability Working Group, showcased the critical role of collaborative efforts in addressing climate challenges.
Under the guidance of Mrs. Bunmi Ajiboye, chairperson of the Sustainability Working Group, the week was packed with diverse events designed to engage and inspire. The lineup included a Green Revolution Challenge, a national essay competition for secondary school students, a sustainability lecture that drew 356 participants from various sectors, investment readiness sessions, climate education programs, and a beach cleanup at Lagos’s Alpha Beach.
Mr. Ayo Lewis, Group Chief Risk Officer of Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, emphasized that sustainability is deeply ingrained in their corporate DNA. The company has made significant strides, including converting branch energy systems to solar and fossil fuel alternatives. A particularly notable achievement is their headquarters, now wrapped in solar cells – a first for an African company. The bank has also supported local communities by powering 500 tricycles for women in Kano.
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, provided crucial insights into the green economy’s potential. She highlighted the World Economic Forum’s projection that a global shift could create 18 million jobs while potentially displacing 6 million jobs in fossil fuel-intensive sectors by 2030. Her message underscored the importance of a just and equitable transition to prevent unnecessary hardship for workers and communities.
The week culminated in the Green Innovation Challenge Pitch Day, which recognized outstanding initiatives across multiple categories. In the CleanTech Category, Quadloop Technologies emerged as the winner, receiving ₦1,000,000, with Electra Green Technology securing the first runner-up position with ₦700,000, and Revive Earth Limited taking second runner-up with ₦300,000. The Women-Led Social Enterprise Category saw joint winners Sussflow Reusables and Scrybe Technologies, each receiving ₦1,000,000.
The national secondary schools green essay competition highlighted the next generation’s perspective on sustainability. Chukwuma-Okoh Naomi from Queens College, Lagos, claimed first place, followed by Adeniyi-Yisa Wariz from Community Junior High School, Wasimi, in second place, and Odugbesan Esther from Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode, securing third place.
The event, a collaboration between Sterling Bank, The Federal Ministry of the Environment, The Alternative Bank, Qoray Mobility, SDSN Nigeria, and Climate Africa Media Initiative, demonstrated a unified approach to addressing environmental challenges through innovation, education, and collective action.
