Sterling Bank takes environment initiative to Plateau

Sterling Bank Plc, in its pursuit environmental sustainability across it business network, donated 600 customised reflective uniforms to the Plateau State government.

Presenting the items to the state’s Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) for distribution among its highway sweepers and workers in Jos, the bank’s Business Executive, Sterling Bank (North East), Abbas Yerima, said the the burden of keeping a clean environment cannot be left to state governments alone.

Yerima explained that Sterling Bank would always be willing to partner with states and other organizations that are committed to keeping the environment clean and safe.

“Our purpose as a bank is to enrich lives and we hope that this gesture would go a long way in contributing towards leaving future generations and communities with a richer, better and more valuable environment.

“As we are all aware, the government of Plateau State has provided an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. It is only natural for organizations doing business in the state to give something back,” Yerima said.

The state Governor, Simon Lalong, who was represented by Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Development, Abdullahi Garba Abbas, said the name of the bank will be written in gold in the annals of Plateau State’s history and urged other corporate organisations to replicate the example and standards set by Sterling Bank in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

“I don’t have enough words to express gratitude to Sterling Bank because this gesture is not the first time, neither is it the second time. Early this year, Sterling Bank donated some materials and we were all there,” Lalong said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Development, Stephen Gadong Pam, described the event as a “landmark contribution.”

He said Sterling Bank had done a lot for Plateau State and has impacted its host communities and business environment positively.

Pam said, “The various CSR interventions of Sterling Bank are clear affirmation of the fact that the government cannot do everything alone. Instead, everyone has a role to play in his or her own little way.

The General Manager of PEPSA, Christopher Longnas Betai, said the 600 reflective jackets would go a long way in safeguarding the lives of workers as they clean the streets.

“Sterling Bank, you did it when you cleaned Terminus. You did when you donated working tools to Jos South LGA and planted trees along Ahmadu Bello Way. We are saying thank you very much indeed.”