AltBank Leads March Against Plastic Pollution

Demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability, The Alternative Bank, (AltBank) alongside the Sterling Sustainability Working Group, organised the Walk4ZeroPlastic march on Saturday, engaging over 300 volunteers in the battle against plastic pollution.

The walk saw the recovery of several tonnes of waste while fostering meaningful conversations about sustainable waste disposal and long-term environmental change.

The Walk4ZeroPlastic campaign was a community-driven initiative designed to raise awareness about the ongoing environmental crisis caused by plastic waste, particularly in Lagos’ high-density markets. The symbolic walk brought together employees, volunteers, market leaders, traders, residents, as well as key government and private sector stakeholders to tackle the issue head-on, with a focus not only on immediate clean-up but also on shifting public perception around waste management and recycling practices.

Executive Director, South, at The Alternative Bank, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, speaking on the initiative said it “is a testament to our collective commitment to a cleaner and healthier Lagos. We believe that through consistent, community-driven action like this, we can tackle plastic pollution at its roots. At its core, it is about creating sustainable habits and making a real difference in people’s lives. The Alternative Bank is proud to lead this charge and collaborate with dedicated partners who share our vision.”

Partners of the Walk4ZeroPlastic initiative include the Sterling ONE Foundation, Wastebanc, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Rite Foods, Africa Clean-up Initiative, and Foodbank.

As part of the initiative, The Alternative Bank made a significant contribution to Tejuosho Market by donating plastic waste bins at strategic locations across the market. These bins will assist in the efforts of LAWMA to streamline waste collection, sorting, and disposal, promoting responsible habits in the community. The Bank’s donation of the bins is an integral part of the campaign’s focus on sustainable, long-term solutions to plastic waste in Lagos.

Chairperson of the Sterling Sustainability Working Group, Bunmi Ajiboye, stressing the importance of collective action, said “the Walk4ZeroPlastic campaign marks an important step in our ongoing efforts to address plastic pollution in Lagos. While we celebrate the physical cleanup that has taken place today, the real victory lies in the lasting impact this campaign will have on the community’s mindset. Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and we’re proud to be part of a movement that is making tangible progress towards a cleaner future.”

Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, represented by Adeoye Babajide, Director, Waste Management, lauded The Alternative Bank for laying down a marker for the private sector in driving sustainable change.

“I want to commend and appreciate The Alternative Bank, a member of the Sterling Group, for their exemplary contribution and collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in achieving the successful management of used plastics and ultimately ensuring environmental sustainability and protection in Lagos. The organisers should be applauded as an example for other private organisations to emulate,” he said.