Environment

2023 World Environment Day: Polaris Bank Restates Commitment To Environmental Sustainability In Nigeria

Published

4 months ago

June 6, 2023

Rashidat Okunlade Writes

Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital financial institution, has restated its commitment to environmental sustainability in the country.

The Bank’s commitment is coming on the heels of the 2023 World Environment Day observed yearly on June 5.

The annual event is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) which is observed globally to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the event.

The theme of the 2023 World Environment Day is “Solutions to plastic pollution” with the hashtag #BeatPlasticPollution. Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, landfills, and waterways. This plastic can harm wildlife, pollute our air and water, and contribute to climate change.

Specifically, and in line with the theme of the 2023 World Environment Day, Polaris Bank has taken proactive measures to address challenges of waste management and plastic pollution while supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBPs) and United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI’s) Principles of Responsible Banking

Polaris Bank as part of its environmental sustainability focus has invested in waste management, plastic collection, renewable energy adoption, education, inclusivity, and carbon reduction. By implementing sustainable practices and guidelines, the Bank contributes to individuals’ needs and societal goals while ensuring a responsible and environmentally conscious business strategy.

“In managing the environmental impact of its activities, Polaris Bank has made significant efforts to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Through the use of solar energy to power security lights, some ATMs and business locations, as well as implementing automated systems and digital alternatives to paper output, the Bank actively mitigates waste generation and reduces its carbon footprint.

“To further minimize its carbon footprint, Polaris Bank has streamlined its vehicle fleet, while most meetings and engagement are held virtually. By prioritizing sustainable energy sources and expanding its network of ATMs, including prestigious off-site locations, the Bank ensures convenient and eco-friendly access to banking services,” the Bank explained in a statement on Monday.

The Bank took it’s commitment a step further by partnering with some organizations to help it provide clean water and sanitation in some communities. It’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects are clearly spelt out to reflect adherence to environment sustainability.

“Additionally, through partnerships with organizations like the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), we contributed to providing clean water and enhanced sanitation to local communities in Lagos state.

“We also partnered with the non-profit organization Evolve, to launch the Girl Child Education and the Environment CSR program. This initiative strives to keep the girl child in school, and educated thereby reducing early marriages and population explosion which impacts the Climate. This empowers underprivileged girls through education, providing them with school supplies and personal development tools. By supporting over 3,000 female students from 12 secondary schools nationwide, Polaris Bank fosters individual growth and inspires positive contributions to society.

“Polaris Bank’s dedication to environmental sustainability is a key component of its broader vision to create a positive and lasting impact on society. As part of the commemoration of the 2023 World Environment Day, the Bank has established dedicated plastic collection hubs across its branches in Lagos. These hubs serve as convenient drop-off points for responsible disposal of plastic waste for onward recycling, while empowering individuals and communities to actively participate in reducing plastic pollution.”

Related Topics:#polarisbank #vultebypolarisbank #worldenvironmentday

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Environment

LASG Orders Closure Of Ladipo Market For Filth And Other Offences

Published

4 hours ago

September 29, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

LASG Orders Closure Of Ladipo Market For Filth And Other Offences

Rashidat Okunlade Writes

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, has ordered immediate closure of Ladipo Market, Mushin, for several environmental offences including, reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non payment of waste bills, among others

He said the market would remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress were met by traders and market stakeholders, adding that it was part of ongoing efforts at instilling compliance in markets around the state.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Wahab underscored the critical importance of environmental hygiene in markets, noting that, “It is imperative that markets in the state adhere strictly to environmental laws and regulations put in place for the well-being of residents. The closure of Ladipo Market serves as a stern reminder that no entity, regardless of its size or influence, is above the law.”

He stated that the state government was fully committed to collaborating with market stakeholders, to facilitate necessary adjustments and improvements, to enable them meet required environmental standards, adding that the market would not be reopened for business until set standards were met.

The commissioner said, “Ladipo Market, a prominent hub for automotive spare parts and related services, has been a focal point for environmental concerns due to various activities that contravene established regulations. LAWMA’s intervention is a significant step towards rectifying these issues and bringing the market to compliance”.

In his reaction, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that the closure was expected to allow for a thorough assessment of the environmental impact of the market’s activities and the implementation of necessary remedial measures, serving as a clear signal that LAWMA would not hesitate to take decisive actions, where and when environmental laws were flouted.

“As Lagos State continues to grow and develop, it is imperative that economic activities are conducted in a manner that is sustainable and environmentally responsible. LAWMA’s recent actions demonstrate the authority’s commitment to this cause. The offensive against environmental infractions will continue till sanity is restored in our markets, while the next stop will be illegal markets”, he stressed.

The closure of Ladipo Market follows a similar action taken against Oyingbo, Alayabiagba, Oke-odo markets, and some sections of Tejuosho Market, for serial infractions. The decision to shut down those markets underscored the state government’s unwavering commitment to the restoration of environmental sanity in the state

For waste management-related issues, call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 617 and 07080601020.

Environment

LAWMA Seals Plazas Around Tejuosho Market For Environmental Infractions

Published

11 hours ago

September 29, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

$LAWMA Seals Plazas Around Tejuosho Market For Environmental Infractions$

…Offences Include Indiscriminate Waste Disposal and Trading Activities Blocking Traffic Flow

Rashidat Okunlade Writes

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has sealed several plazas around Tejuosho Market, Yaba, for environmental offences including improper waste disposal and trading activities obstructing free flow of traffic, among others.

The affected plazas are those situated around Mobil Filling Station down to the left and right sections of the popular Okrika market.

According to the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the plazas were found to be in violation of several critical environmental regulations, which include indiscriminate dumping of waste on road median, use of road setbacks for trading activities, impeding free flow of traffic, and operation of illegal motor parks in the area.

$LAWMA Seals Plazas Around Tejuosho Market For Environmental Infractions$ $LAWMA Seals Plazas Around Tejuosho Market For Environmental Infractions$

He said, “Under our policy of zero tolerance for environmental infractions, LAWMA is totally committed to maintaining high environmental standards across the state. The ongoing enforcement actions are part of our broader efforts to sanitise markets, highways, and public spaces, to acceptable standards”.

Gbadegesin called on all stakeholders, including market associations, traders, and residents, to cooperate with Authority, in ensuring that markets adhere to established environmental guidelines, adding that collaborative effort was crucial in creating an alluring cityscape that adequately supports commerce and the well-being of the people.

$LAWMA Seals Plazas Around Tejuosho Market For Environmental Infractions$ $LAWMA Seals Plazas Around Tejuosho Market For Environmental Infractions$

“As LAWMA continues to monitor and enforce compliance with environmental regulations, it is required that the affected plazas will quickly effect necessary improvements to meet required standards, before they can be reopened for business activities”, he stated.

The ongoing enforcement action is part of a larger campaign by LAWMA to improve sanitation conditions in markets across the state. Markets already sealed under the current campaign of zero-tolerance for environmental infractions include Oyingbo, Alayabiagba, and Oke-odo markets.

For waste management-related issues, call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 617 and 07080601020.

Environment

World Clean-up Day: LAWMA Calls For Responsible Waste Management

Published

2 weeks ago

September 17, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

World Clean-up Day: LAWMA Calls For Responsible Waste Management

Rashidat Okunlade Writes

In observance of this year’s World Clean-up Day, a global initiative dedicated to eliminating litter and waste from our surroundings, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has called on residents to show commitment towards responsible waste management.

Addressing the media on the theme of this year’s event, “Celebrate the Earth”, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the annual program provided an opportunity for deep reflection on the need for sustained clean-up and effective waste management in the state, and called on residents to actively participate in community cleanup activities, with particular emphasis on waterways.

He said, “Residents are encouraged to actively participate in community cleanup activities, particularly focusing on waterways. This collective effort helps in the removal of plastic waste from our vulnerable ecosystems, safeguarding them from further harm. We also advise residents to own a waste bin and patronise only accredited PSP operators.

One of LAWMA’s most impactful initiatives is the promotion of plastic recycling program. This program plays a crucial role in mitigating environmental degradation and contributes to economic growth by creating employment opportunities within the state. So, we encourage residents to embrace sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, such as reusable water bottles”.

Dr. Gbadegesin also highlighted the importance of source separation, the practice of separating waste at its point of generation, which streamlines the recycling process and minimises contamination, making the recycling effort more effective.

He urged residents to shun improper disposal of waste on drainages, set-backs, walkways, and other inappropriate locations, adding that littering not only mars the environment but also poses a serious threat to wildlife and aquatic life.

He stressed that the overuse of single-use plastics worsens the pollution problem, advising residents to limit their use and seek sustainable alternatives.

The LAWMA boss emphasised that it was imperative to keep drains and gutters free of debris, to prevent water logging and flooding, adding that neglecting this responsibility could lead to avoidable environmental hazards.

He noted further that the use of waste to reclaim lands must be shunned as it endangered both the environment and the people living in it.

“As we observe World Clean-up Day, let us all come together to Celebrate the Earth and take meaningful steps towards caring for our environment. With LAWMA’s comprehensive guidelines and initiatives, we are poised to make a significant impact in the fight against plastic pollution and for a sustainable, cleaner future”, he stated.

For waste management-related issues, call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 617 and 07080601020.