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Polaris Bank, NCF Expand Tree Planting Drive To Lagos, Ogun, And Kaduna States
Polaris Bank, in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), has extended its nationwide tree planting campaign to three key locations.
The Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos State, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State and Sardauna College Kaduna, Kaduna State.
The initiative, first launched in 2024 during the Bank’s World Environment Day commemoration, is part of Polaris Bank’s broader commitment to combating climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable environmental practices across Nigeria.
The Lagos edition, which held at the iconic Lekki Conservation Centre, was attended by Executive Directors, Chris Ofikulu and Sharafadeen Muhammad, alongside partners from NCF.
Speaking at the event, Chris Ofikulu, Executive Director, Commercial and Retail expressed his appreciation to all participants at the Tree-planting exercise, noted that the initiative highlights the importance Polaris Bank attaches to environmental sustainability. He recalled leading the Bank’s first tree planting activity after its launch in 2024 at TASUED, Ogun State.
He further noted that the exercise aligns with the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, a global movement dedicated to securing a greener future for generations to come. He emphasized that Polaris Bank sees sustainability not merely as a responsibility but as a business imperative.
He added that, through this initiative, Polaris Bank reaffirms its role beyond banking services and remains firmly in line with the collective goal of planting 10,000 trees.
Also speaking at the event, Sharafadeen Muhammad, Executive Director, Operations, emphasized that protecting the environment and the planet is a shared responsibility for the benefit of all.
He described the initiative as a commendable effort and encouraged the establishment of reserves that conserve nature while creating economic value. He further reaffirmed Polaris Bank’s commitment to supporting the tree-planting initiative.
In Ogun State, the Divisional Head, Ogun/Oyo, Yetunde Okeleye emphasized that the tree-planting initiative reflects Polaris Bank’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. By planting economic trees across the country, including Ogun State, we are demonstrating that sustainability is not just a responsibility but part of our ethos as a Bank.
Our partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, underscores our resolve to restore degraded land, prevent soil erosion, and combat climate change.
Through this initiative, Polaris Bank reaffirms its role as a driver of environmental stewardship and community well-being, while contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.”
In Kaduna State, Mr. Kabir Lawal, Acting Group Head, North West, alongside the Bank’s staff from Kaduna business locations, reiterated, sustainability is not just a catchphrase but the Bank’s culture, a journey pursued with conviction.
Every decision we make is guided by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, ensuring that we address environmental issues while empowering communities and driving inclusive growth.
He further said that the exercise at Sardauna Memorial College, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, is a testament to this commitment.
Beyond reducing carbon footprints, our Tree-planting initiative restores degraded areas, prevents soil erosion, improves environmental health, and raises awareness on the importance of preservation.
The NCF commended Polaris Bank’s leadership, stressing that the selected trees comprising fruit bearing and shade providing species would serve multiple benefits, including erosion control, wind breaking, shade provision, and food security.
Community representatives from FUNAAB and Sardauna College Kaduna expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank and NCF for spearheading the initiatives, describing them as timely and impactful in addressing the global climate challenge.
Polaris Bank continues to integrate sustainability into its operations, ensuring that climate action and community development remain central to its long term growth strategy.
Through collaborations like this, the Bank reaffirms its role as a catalyst for positive environmental and social impact.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
News
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
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