In a bold demonstration of its deepening commitment to environmental sustainability, Sterling One Foundation, working alongside Sterling Bank and Sunbeth, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, led a large-scale nationwide Environmental Cleanup and Beach Adoption initiative across Nigeria. The exercise brought together key government agencies, community volunteers, and partner organizations in a coordinated effort to promote environmental protection, restore public spaces, and drive collective action against pollution and climate-related challenges nationwide.
The initiative, which is in line with the United Nations Decade of Action, spanned 17 states, including Wuse Market in Abuja, Alpha Beach in Lagos, and communities across 15 other states, reinforcing the need for consistent, community-led action to combat all forms of plastic and waste pollution and restore the health of Nigeria’s environment. Across these locations, hundreds of volunteers, environmental experts, youth groups, and government representatives came together to remove waste, promote recycling awareness, and advocate for responsible waste disposal practices.
Tunde Akande, Business Executive, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank, Abuja, speaking on the relevance of the cleanup project, stated, “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.”
Engr. Braimah Osilama, Director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, represented by Omenta Rachael Chinenye, Head, Community Sanitation & Education, Environmental Health & Safety Department, also mentioned, “This partnership-driven initiative is vital for long-term environmental progress. We deeply appreciate the volunteers’ commitment because lasting change requires continuous education, community engagement, and strong institutional support.”
At the Lagos beach cleanup, Akporee Idenedo, Divisional Head, Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank, remarked, “The collective energy from residents and stakeholders is inspiring. Sterling Bank remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that protect public spaces and elevate the quality of life in Nigerian communities. Our Sterling Environmental Makeover (STEM) program has thrived for over a decade, and we will continue prioritizing environmental sustainability in all our actions.”
Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, reflected during the Lagos beach cleanup, “This nationwide effort is a powerful demonstration of what Nigerians can achieve when united by purpose. We are proud of every volunteer across the country; each act of service, big or small, shapes a cleaner and healthier future for Nigeria. The Foundation is committed to deepening environmental awareness, strengthening partnerships, and inspiring ongoing action.”
Across all 18 locations, volunteers collected plastic waste, cleared debris, and engaged in environmental awareness sessions on recycling, waste sorting, and responsible disposal practices.
Sterling Bank is a full-service national commercial bank in Nigeria and a member of Sterling Financial Holdings Group. With a heritage of more than 60 years, the bank has evolved from Nigeria’s pre-eminent investment banking institution to a trusted provider of retail, commercial, and corporate banking services.
Sterling is a forward-thinking financial institution committed to transforming lives through innovative solutions, exceptional service, unwavering integrity, and a steadfast focus on its HEART strategy, which centers on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation.
As pioneers in digital banking and financial inclusion, Sterling continues to lead by example, showing how purpose-driven leadership can deliver transformative outcomes for individuals, businesses, and society at large.
Guided by a culture of innovation and a passion for excellence, Sterling Bank remains dedicated to redefining the banking experience for millions of customers across Nigeria. For more information visit https://sterling.ng/
Sterling One Foundation is a registered non-profit focused on tackling the root causes of poverty in Nigeria, and Africa through interventions and social impact programmes across three critical sectors namely: health, education and climate action & food security. Gender Equality and women empowerment are integrated as a cross-cutting priority across all our programming areas. The Foundation’s programmes adopt a central theme of prioritizing
partnerships for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).