First Bank commits to environmental, social commitment

First Bank Group has expanded its significant strides in environmental sustainability, women’s health, and the welfare of the less privileged and vulnerable communities across Nigeria as part of its Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CRS) initiative.

The 2024 CRS week, dedicated to promoting sustainable development, featured a variety of impactful activities that underscored the bank’s commitment to social responsibility.

During the week, First Bank launched a large-scale tree planting initiative aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability across the country in several states including Ogun, Oyo, Cross River, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Ebonyi, Ondo, Anambra, Edo, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Benue, Jigawa, Bauchi, and Lagos.

The Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, said the tree planting was organised to contribute to the fight against climate change by increasing green cover in these regions.

In addition to environmental efforts, the bank also focused on women’s health and empowerment, particularly through a strategic partnership aimed at addressing Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), a severe medical condition affecting women in some parts of Nigeria.

Alebiosu said the bank collaborated with local health organisations in Jigawa and Plateau states to provide VVF surgeries, aftercare kits, and empowerment opportunities to over 400 women.

He said this initiative not only helped restore the health and dignity of these women but also equipped them with the tools needed for economic independence.

The bank also visited two orphanages and internally displaced persons (IDP) homes in 24 cities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Alebiosu said this engagement aimed to provide much-needed support and care to vulnerable groups, reinforcing the bank’s dedication to social responsibility.

Additionally, FirstBank extended its support to Ekiti and Lagos States, focusing on community and social responsibility for children with special needs.
Alebiosu presented gifts to the children and caregivers at Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment centre in Lagos, emphasising the bank’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of kindness.

“This is our little way of sowing seeds of kindness and nurturing them till they become giant trees of kindness, producing the fruits of compassion, charity, generosity, and care,” he stated.

Alebiosu highlighted that the bank’s volunteer staff, through the Employee Giving & Volunteering Scheme, impacted approximately 60,000 lives, and supported 60 orphanages, 20 schools, and several hospitals.

According to Alebiosu, this initiative reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that even the most marginalised populations receive the care and attention they deserve.