Amaka Obiefuna
In a bold move to promote environmental sustainability and inspire a culture of responsible waste management amongst Nigerians, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has donated large-capacity recycling bins to Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos.
The donation was made during the 19th edition of the Walk for Nature event held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at YABATECH. The event, themed “Lagos, Let’s Beat Plastic Pollution,” was organized by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in collaboration with the Lagos State Government to raise awareness on plastic pollution and promote sustainable waste management practices.
Speaking at the event, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, affirmed the bank’s commitment to driving environmental consciousness and sustainability through consistent advocacy and impactful community initiatives.
“As a socially responsible institution, we integrate sustainability into our business and community impact programmes. Beyond reducing our carbon footprint through renewable energy deployment across our branches and ATM network, we are also deepening our advocacy for recycling and waste reduction.
“Through recycling partnerships with schools, tree planting campaigns, and environmental beautification projects in urban as well as underserved communities, we are committed to building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. In line with this commitment, we are donating three large recycling bins to YABATECH to encourage responsible waste management and recycling among students,” he said.
Dr Nwagboh equally applauded the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and the Lagos State Government for their collaborative efforts in driving environmental awareness, urging individuals and organizations to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles and reduce dependence on single-use plastics.
“Beating plastic pollution requires more than policies. It starts with each of us making conscious choices. By rethinking our consumption habits, reducing single-use plastics, and embracing recycling, we can make Lagos a model megacity for environmental stewardship,” he emphasised.
In her address, the Chairman, National Executive Council, NCF, Hon. Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, emphasized that plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges globally.
“This year’s Walk for Nature is unique because, for the first time, we are taking the awareness campaign directly to a tertiary institution. Young people represent the innovation and energy needed to build a cleaner future. Fidelity Bank’s donation of recycling bins to YABATECH is not just symbolic, it represents learning, responsibility, and change,” Justice Adebiyi stated.
Representing the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, also noted that plastic pollution has become a silent global crisis.
In appreciation of the donation, the Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. (Engr.) Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, thanked Fidelity Bank and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), which also donated two additional bins to the institution.
“On behalf of Yaba College of Technology, we express our heartfelt appreciation to Fidelity Bank and the Lagos State Government for this thoughtful gesture. The recycling bins will be strategically positioned across campus and judiciously used to promote a culture of sustainability among our students,” he said.
The initiative, which aims to encourage students to adopt eco-friendly habits, strengthen the institution’s recycling, and waste management systems, is the latest of the bank’s ongoing environmental awareness and sustainability efforts.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
