Dele Faseemo, Group Head, Renewable Energy, Sterling Bank Plc, conveyed this message at Alpha Beach Lagos during a nationwide cleaning initiative organized by the bank.

He stated, “The Sterling One Foundation has a practice of cleaning up beaches and adopting them sustainably so that after the Foundation had gone, the local community would continue to keep the beaches clean. Sterling Bank is assuming a sense of urgency to rid communities of waste and promote a culture of recycling to protect the planet. This will create jobs, keep our environment clean, and foster a sense of collective responsibility in combating plastic pollution.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, also expressed gratitude to partners who participated in the exercise. She highlighted climate action as one of the foundation's key focus areas and noted that renewable energy is a strategic focus for Sterling Bank in its business strategy.

She said that the bank has prioritized the environment since 2007 “so what you are seeing today is not something that started today even before we started our working career, this project has commenced and it’s not stopping anytime soon.”

She said: “It is imperative that we accelerate our efforts and transition to a circular economy, where plastics are used responsibly, recycled, and repurposed.

“To address this urgent issue, Sterling One Foundation, in collaboration with Green Space Depot and the support of Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), organised a community clean up.

“This initiative seeks to mobilise our community, empower individuals, and foster a sense of collective responsibility in combating plastic pollution. Caring for the environment meant caring for the next generation.”