June 5 (THEWILL) — Zenith Bank Plc, in partnership with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), commemorated the 2026 World Environment Day with a two-phase environmental clean-up exercise across key areas of Lagos State aimed at promoting sustainability, environmental responsibility and climate action.
The initiative, organised under this year’s global theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”, underscored the Bank’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship through practical interventions designed to strengthen community participation and support cleaner surroundings.
The clean-up exercise was executed in two phases and involved both staff participation and strategic collaboration with key state environmental agencies.
The first phase was held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, with Zenith Bank staff embarking on a morning sanitation exercise along Ajose Adeogun Street in Victoria Island, Lagos. Employees participated in waste collection and environmental sanitation activities while also engaging residents and members of the public on the importance of responsible waste management and proper disposal practices.
The exercise highlighted the Bank’s commitment to promoting a culture of volunteerism and encouraging community participation in environmental preservation efforts.
The second phase was held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, and focused on cleaning Lagos waterways through a collaborative effort involving LAWMA and LASWA. The exercise was conducted at the Falomo Waterways in Ikoyi and targeted the removal of marine waste and debris while promoting cleaner and healthier waterways.
The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by Lagos State authorities to strengthen environmental sustainability and improve climate resilience through strategic interventions to reduce pollution and safeguard aquatic ecosystems.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, stated that environmental sustainability remains central to the Bank’s operational philosophy and long-term vision.
“At Zenith Bank, sustainability is integral to how we operate. Clearing our streets and our waterways is a practical reminder that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility – and one we are proud to take up alongside LAWMA and LASWA.
“Through these exercises, we are taking deliberate action to preserve our communities, support climate action, and inspire others to act. Our operations will continue to align with global environmental standards as we build a more sustainable future for Nigeria and Africa”, she stated.
The Bank said its environmental initiatives are part of broader efforts to integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into its operations across Nigeria and its international markets.
According to the Bank, these interventions support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13 on Climate Action.
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