Fidelity Bank, NCF Strengthen Environmental Partnership at 20th Walk for Nature

Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience through its partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the Lagos State Government at the 20th edition of the Walk for Nature in Lagos.

The event, held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos, brought together environmental stakeholders, government representatives, conservation advocates and members of the public to promote environmental awareness and encourage collective action against climate change.

The 20th edition of the annual initiative was organised under the theme, “Inspired for Climate Action”, highlighting the need to translate environmental awareness into practical measures that address climate change, environmental degradation and the growing threats to ecological sustainability.

Speaking at the event, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division of Fidelity Bank, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, described the milestone edition as evidence of the importance of sustained partnerships in advancing environmental conservation and promoting responsible environmental practices.

He said environmental sustainability remained central to building resilient communities, supporting economic growth and securing a healthier environment for future generations.

According to him, Fidelity Bank’s commitment to environmental protection goes beyond public advocacy, encompassing practical interventions aimed at promoting cleaner energy, environmental education and responsible resource management.

“At Fidelity Bank, we recognise that environmental sustainability is integral to building resilient communities and supporting long-term economic growth. Our commitment goes beyond advocacy to practical initiatives that promote cleaner energy, environmental awareness and responsible resource management,” Nwagboh said.

He disclosed that the bank had continued to support renewable energy solutions, tree-planting programmes, recycling initiatives, environmental education and community beautification projects as part of its broader sustainability agenda.

Nwagboh noted that the theme of this year’s Walk for Nature underscored the need for individuals and organisations to move beyond discussions about environmental challenges and embrace practical steps towards addressing them.

He urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility for protecting the environment through resource conservation, waste reduction, tree planting and the adoption of environmentally friendly lifestyles.

“The theme, ‘Inspired for Climate Action’, reminds us that environmental awareness must translate into practical action. Every individual has a role to play, whether through conserving resources, reducing waste, planting trees or adopting more sustainable lifestyles.

“By working together, we can build a cleaner, greener and more resilient Nigeria for future generations,” he said.

The Fidelity Bank executive also commended the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and the Lagos State Government for sustaining their collaboration with the bank, stressing that addressing environmental challenges required consistent commitment and cooperation between public and private sector organisations.

He maintained that partnerships involving financial institutions, government agencies, environmental organisations and local communities were critical to achieving meaningful progress in conservation and climate resilience.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, highlighted the importance of protecting the state’s wetlands, mangroves, waterways and green spaces to mitigate the effects of climate change.

He warned that the degradation of natural ecosystems could worsen flooding and undermine efforts to build a climate-resilient Lagos, particularly given the state’s exposure to coastal and environmental risks.

Tajudeen disclosed that the Lagos State Government was targeting the planting of 20,000 trees in 2026 as part of efforts to improve environmental quality, expand green spaces and strengthen the resilience of urban communities.

He explained that protecting wetlands and waterways was essential to reducing flooding risks, while preserving green spaces would contribute to improving the overall environmental quality of the state.

“Protecting our wetlands, waterways and green spaces is essential to reducing flooding and building a climate-resilient Lagos. Residents must also take responsibility by disposing of waste properly and adopting environmentally friendly practices,” he said.

The Lagos State Government’s tree-planting target also highlights the growing recognition of urban greening as an important component of climate adaptation, particularly in densely populated cities where rapid urbanisation and pressure on natural ecosystems have increased environmental vulnerabilities.

Also speaking at the event, environmental advocate and Founder of Green Education for the Youth, Chief Olufunso Amosun, called on young Nigerians to take a more active role in environmental conservation, insisting that their contributions should extend beyond participation in organised environmental campaigns.

Amosun said young people had an important responsibility to influence environmental behaviour in their schools, neighbourhoods and communities through education, advocacy and the promotion of sustainable habits.

He urged them to become ambassadors of conservation by educating their peers and encouraging practices that reduce environmental pollution and degradation.

“Environmental protection requires consistent action. Young people can make a difference by educating their peers, promoting sustainable habits and becoming ambassadors for conservation in their communities,” he said.

The 20th edition of the Walk for Nature further reinforced the importance of sustained collaboration among financial institutions, government authorities, conservation organisations and communities in tackling environmental challenges.

For Fidelity Bank, the partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and the Lagos State Government forms part of its broader environmental sustainability and community development initiatives.

The bank said its continued support for environmental education, renewable energy, recycling, tree planting and community-based conservation reflected its determination to encourage responsible environmental practices through strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement.

Fidelity Bank Plc is a commercial deposit money bank serving more than 10 million customers through digital banking channels and 255 business offices across Nigeria, as well as its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The financial institution has received several local and international recognitions for its contributions to banking, business development and community empowerment.

Among its recent accolades are the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria Innovation Award for MSME support, Best Retail and SME Bank Award from Independent Newspapers, Best Bank for Export and Trade Finance and Most Innovative Bank of the Year at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions Awards.

It also received Nigeria’s Best Private Bank recognition at the 2025 Euromoney Awards, the Most Improved Commercial Bank of the Year award from Nairametrics, SME Bank of the Year from NewsDirect and the Straight-Through Processing Excellence Award from Citi Group.

The bank was also recognised by Global Brands Magazine for Excellence in Community Empowerment.