Sterling One Foundation and its partner have strengthened climate action efforts across Nigeria through a nationwide Environmental Cleanup and Beach Adoption exercise held on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
These partners include Sterling Bank, Sunbeth, government agencies and community volunteers.
The initiative, aligned with the United Nations Decade of Action, took place across 17 states, including Wuse Market in Abuja, Alpha Beach in Lagos, and communities in 15 other states. It underscored the importance of sustained, community-driven action in tackling plastic and waste pollution while restoring environmental health nationwide.
Speaking on the Abuja cleanup, Tunde Akande, Business Executive, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank, Abuja, emphasised the role of local participation in environmental sustainability.
“Maintaining a clean and safe city depends heavily on sustained local participation. The effort in Abuja, where residents and institutions work hand-in-hand, truly embodies communal responsibility and environmental pride,” Akande said.
Also speaking, the Director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Engr. Braimah Osilama, represented by Omenta Rachael Chinenye, Head, Community Sanitation and Education, Environmental Health and Safety Department, described the initiative as critical to long-term environmental progress.
“This partnership-driven initiative is vital for lasting environmental change. Continuous education, community engagement, and strong institutional support remain essential,” she said, while commending the dedication of volunteers.
At the Lagos beach cleanup, Akporee Idenedo, Divisional Head, Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
“The collective energy from residents and stakeholders is inspiring. Sterling Bank remains committed to initiatives that protect public spaces and improve quality of life. Our Sterling Environmental Makeover (STEM) programme has thrived for over a decade, and environmental sustainability remains a priority for us,” he stated.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, described the exercise as a demonstration of collective national responsibility.
“This nationwide effort shows what Nigerians can achieve when united by purpose. Every act of service contributes to a cleaner, healthier future. We remain committed to deepening environmental awareness, strengthening partnerships, and inspiring sustained action,” Ibekwe said.
Across all participating locations, volunteers collected plastic waste, cleared debris, and engaged in awareness sessions on recycling, waste sorting, and responsible disposal, reinforcing the call for continuous action to protect Nigeria’s environment.