Sterling Bank, One Foundation, Sunbeth and Partners Strengthen Climate Action With Nationwide Cleanup and Beach Adoption
L-R: Jacqueline Ekpang, Zonal Head, Retail Sterling Bank Abuja; Tunde Akande, Business Executive, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank Abuja; Omenta Rachael Chineye, Head of Community Sanitation and Education, Environmental Health and Safety Department, Environmental Protection Board Abuja; and Tochukwu Olife, Business Executive, Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank Abuja, at the nationwide Sterling Environmental Makeover(STEM) held in Abuja recently.
In a renewed commitment to strengthen environmental protection across
Nigeria, Sterling One Foundation, in collaboration with Sterling Bank, Sunbeth, government agencies, community volunteers, and partner organizations, spearheaded a nationwide Environmental Cleanup and Beach Adoption exercise on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
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.
