First Bank, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), has launched a major tree-planting initiative aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s vegetation cover across the country.
The initiative, led by Aishatu Bubaram, the group executive of commercial banking for the North at First Bank, is part of the bank’s 2024 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CSR) programme.
The tree-planting effort at Government Secondary School (GSS), Karshi, which involves planting 500 trees, is part of a broader goal to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions and preserving the environment.
Speaking at the event, Bubaram emphasised the bank’s commitment to planting 30,000 trees across the country. “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.”
“First Bank’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,” she said.
As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” This quote resonates deeply with our mission—to plant seeds of hope and resilience, knowing they will benefit future generations.
“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.”
Bubaram encouraged other financial institutions and individuals to contribute to a greener Nigeria, emphasising that the impact extends beyond the nation, benefiting the global environment as well.
Also, Muhammad Garba Beyo, the zonal coordinator, expressed the foundation’s dedication to the initiative, which aligns with their mission of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
“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 First Bank for their support in this endeavour. “We are grateful to First Bank Nigeria 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 added.
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. The NCF plans to plant 500 trees across three species: Cassia Sieberiana (Blackberry), Khaya senegalensis (African Mahogany), and Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea butter tree).
He emphasised that these species were selected for their economic and environmental benefits, including fruit production, shade provision, and erosion control.
The vice principal of Administration at GSS Karshi, Tanko Madugu Wando, was also present and played a key role in facilitating the event.
He further thanked First Bank and Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) for this initiative and encouraged them to keep up the good work.
