By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos
Union Bank of Nigeria has called for stronger collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society organisations and individuals to address climate change, promote environmental conservation and empower young people to champion a more sustainable future.
The call was made during the 2026 World Environment Day Symposium organised by the bank in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos.
The symposium brought together environmental experts, policymakers, corporate leaders and students to discuss environmental sustainability, climate action and shared responsibility in line with this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
Delivering the bank’s goodwill message, the Chief Brand and Marketing Officer of Union Bank, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, urged businesses to complement their sustainability commitments with practical action, stressing that financial institutions have a critical role to play in driving the transition to a greener economy.
“As a Bank that has been part of Nigeria’s story for over a century, Union Bank recognises that sustainable development and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand. We believe businesses have a role to play not only in what they say, but also in what they do,” she said.
Aluko noted that banks influence the direction of economic growth through their financing decisions.
“Banks play an important role because they help determine where capital flows. The choices financial institutions make about what to fund and what to encourage help shape the kind of economy we build. This is a responsibility we take seriously at Union Bank, and it is one of the reasons gatherings like these matter to us,” she added.
In his keynote address, the Director-General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr. Joseph Daniel Onoja, described environmental conservation as fundamental to humanity’s survival.
“Nature has placed all the models that we need to be able to live well in it. When we talk about nature conservation or environmental conservation, we’re saying human conservation because nature, Mother Earth, will always take care of herself. If we don’t take care of it, it will take care of itself by getting rid of us,” Onoja said.
He urged governments, organisations and citizens to protect the environment, noting that preserving nature was essential for sustainable living and future generations.
The event also featured a panel discussion involving secondary school students from Lagos and other states, who advocated climate-conscious investments and cleaner energy sources. The students showcased innovative projects that transformed waste into interior décor and clean energy solutions, highlighting the role of youth in advancing responsible production and environmental sustainability.
Union Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote environmental protection, ecosystem restoration and the development of sustainable communities, describing environmental stewardship as essential to building a resilient economy for present and future generations.
About Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
Established in 1917, Union Bank is one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, renowned for its “Simpler, Smarter Banking” philosophy. With a network of more than 300 branches nationwide and a strong focus on digital innovation, the bank provides a broad range of financial services to individuals, businesses and the public sector. Its offerings include savings and current accounts, loans, trade finance, funds transfer and electronic banking solutions such as mobile banking, online banking, ATMs, debit cards and POS services, reinforcing its commitment to delivering accessible, innovative and customer-focused banking across Nigeria.
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… reposted this!