Fidelity Bank donates recycling bins to YABATECH in push for Eco-friendly practices

L-R: Area Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Field Operations, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Rilwanu Momodu; Chairman, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) National Executive Council, Hon. Justice R. I. B. Adebiyi; Special Adviser on Environment to the Lagos State Governor, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Head, Brand Management, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Cynthia Ogbonna, and Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon. Olarenwaju Affinni, at the 19th edition of the NCF environmental advocacy program, tagged Walk for Nature in Lagos, recently.

Stanley Ihedigbo

Fidelity Bank Nigeria has donated large-capacity recycling bins to Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, in a bold move to promote environmental sustainability and inspire a culture of responsible waste management amongst Nigerians.

The donation was made during the 19th edition of the Walk for Nature event held at YABATECH. The event, themed “Lagos, Let’s Beat Plastic Pollution,” was organized by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in collaboration with the Lagos State Government to raise awareness on plastic pollution and promote sustainable waste management practices.

Speaking at the event, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, affirmed the bank’s commitment to driving environmental consciousness and sustainability through consistent advocacy and impactful community initiatives.

“As a socially responsible institution, we integrate sustainability into our business and community impact programmes. Beyond reducing our carbon footprint through renewable energy deployment across our branches and ATM network, we are also deepening our advocacy for recycling and waste reduction.

“Through recycling partnerships with schools, tree planting campaigns, and environmental beautification projects in urban as well as underserved communities, we are committed to building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. In line with this commitment, we are donating three large recycling bins to YABATECH to encourage responsible waste management and recycling among students,” he said.

Dr Nwagboh equally applauded the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and the Lagos State Government for their collaborative efforts in driving environmental awareness, urging individuals and organizations to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles and reduce dependence on single-use plastics.

“Beating plastic pollution requires more than policies. It starts with each of us making conscious choices. By rethinking our consumption habits, reducing single-use plastics, and embracing recycling, we can make Lagos a model megacity for environmental stewardship,” he emphasised.

In her address, the Chairman, National Executive Council, NCF, Hon. Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, emphasized that plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges globally.

“This year’s Walk for Nature is unique because, for the first time, we are taking the awareness campaign directly to a tertiary institution. Young people represent the innovation and energy needed to build a cleaner future. Fidelity Bank’s donation of recycling bins to YABATECH is not just symbolic; it represents learning, responsibility, and change,” Justice Adebiyi stated.

Representing the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu also noted that plastic pollution has become a silent global crisis.

In appreciation of the donation, the Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. (Engr.) Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul thanked Fidelity Bank and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), which also donated two additional bins to the institution.

“On behalf of Yaba College of Technology, we express our heartfelt appreciation to Fidelity Bank and the Lagos State Government for this thoughtful gesture. The recycling bins will be strategically positioned across campus and judiciously used to promote a culture of sustainability among our students,” he said.

The initiative, which aims to encourage students to adopt eco-friendly habits, strengthen the institution’s recycling and waste management systems, is the latest of the bank’s ongoing environmental awareness and sustainability efforts.