Sterling Bank, One Foundation, Sunbeth Deepen Climate Action With Nationwide Cleanup, Beach Adoption

 In a renewed push to advance environmental sustainability in Nigeria, Sterling One Foundation, in partnership with Sterling Bank, Sunbeth, government agencies, community volunteers, and civil society organisations, has led a nationwide Environmental Cleanup and Beach Adoption exercise across multiple states.

The initiative, held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, covered 17 states, including Wuse Market in Abuja, Alpha Beach in Lagos, and communities across 15 other states. It aligns with the United Nations Decade of Action, reinforcing the urgency of sustained, community-driven efforts to combat plastic pollution, poor waste management, and environmental degradation.

Across the various locations, hundreds of volunteers, environmental professionals, youth groups, and government representatives collaborated to remove waste, promote recycling awareness, and advocate responsible waste disposal practices.

Speaking during the cleanup exercise in Abuja, Tunde Akande, Business Executive, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank, Abuja, emphasized the importance of local ownership in environmental protection.

“Maintaining a clean and safe city depends heavily on sustained local participation. The collaboration we witnessed in Abuja, where residents and institutions worked hand-in-hand, truly reflects communal responsibility and environmental pride,” Akande said.

Also speaking, the Director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Engr. Braimah Osilama, represented by Omenta Rachael Chinenye, Head of Community Sanitation and Education, Environmental Health and Safety Department, described the initiative as critical to long-term environmental progress.

“This partnership-driven effort is vital for sustainable change. We deeply appreciate the commitment of volunteers, as lasting environmental improvement requires continuous education, community engagement, and strong institutional support,” she said.

At the Lagos beach cleanup, Akporee Idenedo, Divisional Head, Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank, highlighted the bank’s longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability.

“The collective energy from residents and stakeholders is inspiring. Sterling Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that protect public spaces and improve the quality of life in Nigerian communities. Our Sterling Environmental Makeover (STEM) programme has thrived for over a decade, and environmental sustainability remains a priority,” Idenedo stated.

Similarly, Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, described the exercise as a powerful demonstration of collective national responsibility.

“This nationwide effort shows what Nigerians can achieve when united by purpose. We are proud of every volunteer across the country. Each act of service, no matter how small, contributes to a cleaner and healthier future. We remain committed to deepening environmental awareness, strengthening partnerships, and inspiring continuous action,” Ibekwe said.

Across all participating locations, volunteers collected plastic waste, cleared debris, and engaged community members in environmental education sessions focused on recycling, waste sorting, and responsible disposal practices.