Personality in Focus
World Earth Day 2023: Majekodumi Commends Unity Bank’s Sustainability Strides
Unity Bank Plc has received commendation from one of Nigeria’s foremost environmentalists, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi for its consistent environmental sustainability initiatives and programmes aimed at protecting the planet earth.
Mr. Majekodunmi, who is the founder of Lufasi Nature Park, Lagos – Nigeria’s only urban forest reserve – gave the commendation at the Bank’s Beach Cleaning and Tree Planting exercise held to commemorate the World Earth Day 2023.
According to the nature park promoter, Unity Bank’s commitment to environmental protection through consistent investment in sustainability programmes and initiatives has set the institution apart.
Recall that this year’s edition of the Beach Cleaning exercise makes it the third year in a row that Unity Bank is holding the volunteer initiative, being an activity lined up to commemorate the World Earth Day. Unity Bank has partnered with 3 non-government organizations – Recycling Scheme for Women and Youth Empowerment, RESWAYE, MEDIC and KBG to promote environmental sustainability through the Beach Bleaning Initiative.
Majekodunmi joined no fewer than 200 volunteers, inclusive of members of staff of Unity Bank, RESWAYE team and the Lagos Kids Beach Garden within the Oba Elegushi beach environs who participated in the cleaning exercise. The volunteers picked and removed over 100,000 plastic bottles from the beach to rid the beach and ocean of plastic waste and reduce pollution.
Also as featured in the previous editions, the Bank also carried out a Tree Planting exercise in 23 locations across the country, with members of staff participating in planting at least a tree in each of the locations.
Speaking at the event, the Divisional Head, Resources, Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Hillary Ajuebon said that the World Earth Day initiatives, have become a core focus of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility aimed at promoting climate action and reduction of environmental pollution.
Citing recent reports on ocean pollution, he decried gloomy statistics stating that: “of the over 380 million tons of plastic produced globally every year, about 10 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from different coastal plains. There are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic waste estimated to be in our oceans. While 70% of the debris sinks into the ocean’s ecosystem, 15% floats, and 15% lands on our beaches.”
While noting that plastic pollution has become one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues, he said Unity Bank would continue to join collaborative efforts aimed at eliminating plastic pollution in our oceans.
Ajuebon further recalled that in addition to the Beach Cleaning and Tree Planting exercise, the Bank had, throughout the month of April, embarked on aggressive sensitization on environmental sustainability, reinforcing the Bank’s culture of prioritizing sustainable practices, adding that the Bank has over time promoted corporate and business philosophy that encourages low paper usage, recycling and adoption of renewable energy through increased investment in solar-powered branches and ATMs.
Pascal Dozie, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader has died. He was 86.
According to sources close to the deceased, Dozie died a battle with old age-related illness.
Dozie, was a man of many parts, best known for founding Diamond Bank and serving as chairman of Pan-Atlantic University.
He was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Dozie’s educational background includes a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie also founded theAfrican Development Consulting Group, which worked with notable clients like Nestle and Pfizer. He served as MTN Group chairman but later resigned and was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe.
Dozie received the prestigious National Award of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.
Dozie is survived by his wife Chinyere Dozie, and five children among other relatives.
A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, is dead.
According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday.
The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.
It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.
“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
About a year ago in April 2024, the rumour of the death of the elder statesman was reported by some news platforms.
But speaking with The PUNCH correspondent who visited his Molete residence in Ibadan, the state capital, he debunked the rumour, saying he was hale and hearty.
“I’m still here, not yet gone,” he declared then.
He also expressed worry over the rumour and asked who would live forever, stressing, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day.
“I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”
The elder statesman also illustrated how the rumour of his death hit several news platforms on June 7, 2022.
He noted that the rumour mongers claimed that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
A few days later, the family issued a statement, declaring that he was not dead but suffering from old age ailment and asked Nigerians to pray for him to survive the health complications.
The leadership of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), has congratulated Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King as he clocked 50 years.
Speaking on behalf of the Association,
President & Chairman of Council, Prince Akintoye Adeoye, celebrated Emmanuel-King’s passion and dedication, which continues to inspire the real estate sector.
Below is the detailed statement:
It is with great pleasure that I, Prince Akintoye Adeoye, President and Chairman of Council of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), on behalf of the entire Association, extend my warmest birthday wishes to you.
As you celebrate your birthday today, we recognize your outstanding contributions to the real estate industry. Your visionary leadership in making homeownership accessible and building Adron Homes & Properties into a leading brand sets a high standard for excellence. Your passion and dedication continue to inspire many of us in the real estate sector.
Today is not just a birthday; it is a celebration of your remarkable achievements, wisdom, and the abundant grace of God. From a visionary start to shaping the future of affordable housing in Nigeria, your leadership in the real estate sector has been ground-breaking.
REDAN is proud to recognize your invaluable contributions to the real estate sector and our association. As you step into this new age, may you be blessed with continued success and even greater accomplishments in all your endeavors.
Turning 50 is a momentous occasion, offering a time for reflection on the many successes and cherished memories that have shaped your journey. At REDAN, we wish you continued good health, wisdom, and divine grace as you keep contributing to the advancement of the real estate sector and our beloved nation.
May this year and the ones ahead be filled with even greater achievements, joy, and fulfillment.
Once again, happy 50th birthday, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King.
