Union Bank has called for stronger collaboration among businesses, governments, and other stakeholders to tackle climate change, promote environmental conservation, and empower young people to build a more sustainable future.
The bank made the call in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) during a symposium marking the 2026 World Environment Day at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos.
The event brought together environmental experts, business leaders, policymakers, and students for discussions on climate action and environmental sustainability. The symposium was held under the theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
According to the organisers, the discussions reflected the growing global recognition that addressing climate change requires collective action, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on climate action and SDG 17 on partnerships.
Speaking at the event, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, urged businesses to move beyond commitments and take practical steps toward environmental sustainability.
She said financial institutions have a critical role to play in driving the transition to a greener economy through responsible financing and investment decisions.
“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,” Aluko said.
She added that banks influence the direction of economic growth through the projects and businesses they choose to finance.
“We believe businesses have a role to play not only in what they say but also in what they do. 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,” she said.
Aluko noted that Union Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote environmental protection and sustainable development.
Delivering the keynote address, the Director-General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr. Joseph Onoja, described environmental conservation as essential to human survival.
According to him, protecting nature is ultimately about protecting humanity.
“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,” Onoja said.
He warned that humanity must protect the environment for its own survival, stressing that the earth has already provided the resources needed for sustainable living.
The symposium also featured a panel session involving secondary school students from Lagos and other parts of the country.
The students encouraged businesses and individuals to embrace climate-friendly investments and cleaner energy sources.
They also showcased innovative projects that transformed waste materials into interior décor and clean energy solutions, highlighting the role of young people in driving environmental innovation.
The exhibition reflected the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production while demonstrating the creativity of the next generation in addressing climate challenges.
Union Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting programmes that advance environmental protection, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable communities.
The bank noted that, as an institution established in 1917, safeguarding the environment remains central to its vision of building an economy that benefits both present and future generations.
