Posted by By SEUN ADESIDA on
Worried with the high level of environmental degradation, Oceanic Bank International Plc in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEPFI) has resolved to work towards introducing measures that would promote environment and sustainable development.
UNEP FI is a global partnership between UNEP and the financial sector. Over 160 institutions, including banks, insurers and fund managers are currently working with UNEP to understand the impacts of environmental and social considerations on financial performance.
Chief Executive Officer of Oceanic Bank Dr. (Mrs.) Cecelia Ibru speaking at the signing ceremony, on Wednesday said that promoting sustainable development is the collective responsibility of not only the government but also businesses and individuals. According to her, the bank as a corporate social responsible citizen is committed to economic and social development as well as environmental protection.
She assured that Oceanic Bank, which has already partnered several states on Public Private Sector Partnership (PPP), especially in the area of infrastructure, education and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) will partner the UNEP and all other relevant agencies towards promotion and development of the environment.
She added that the bank is already partnering Lagos State government in its current efforts to make the state a beautiful and environmentally friendly one. Oceanic Bank, she explained is reviewing its processes with a view to modifying staff behaviours towards consumption of resources. She added that the strategy to be adopted will involve reduce, reuse, repair and recycle.
According to her, the bank will introduce energy saving computers and other devices, use energy efficient building materials through Oceanic Homes construction projects, introduce double glazing of windows to promote sound energy/noise mitigation.
Ibru said that Oceanic Bank will support the initiative by providing micro-credit to sustainable and environmentally friendly projects and also provide support to environmental non-governmental organizations such as Nigeria Conservation Foundation.
In his opening remark, the Head of UNEPFI, Mr. Paul Clement, welcomed Oceanic Bank into the FI family, noting that the bank, with its landmark involvement in building a stronger Nigeria , will surely be a reference for other financial institutions. He said he has high confidence that the bank will set the pace for positive development in environmental development and sustainability.