Coronation Group Commemorates World Environment Day with 'Trees for Tomorrow' Initiative

Coronation Group on Wednesday, June 5th, 2024  announced the launch of its 'Trees for Tomorrow' initiative in celebration of World Environment Day. Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, employees from Coronation Group united to plant over 400 trees in various locations across Nigeria and Ghana.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Deputy Managing Director of Coronation Merchant Bank, Paul Abiagam, along with other key leaders, including Aigbovbioise Aig-Imoukhuede, MD/CEO of Coronation Asset Management; Kayode Akindele, Managing Partner of Coronation Capital; and Ngozi Akinyele, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer of Coronation Group.

Paul Abiagam emphasised the significance of the project, stating, "At Coronation, we recognise the urgency of addressing environmental issues. Our 'Trees for Tomorrow' initiative is not just about planting trees; it’s about planting hope for a sustainable future. By actively participating in World Environment Day, we underscore our commitment to promoting sustainable practices and community involvement. Our goal of planting over 400 trees is a testament to our dedication to environmental stewardship and our belief in the collective power of individual actions."

World Environment Day, designated by the United Nations and celebrated annually on June 5th, is a global platform that encourages awareness and action for the protection of our environment. It serves as a crucial reminder of the need to protect and improve the health of our natural surroundings.

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, emphasised the collective responsibility towards environmental conservation: “We must heed the call of the young people, citizens, associations and scientists urging us to take action, and radically change our relationship with nature and the planet. This collective quest for solutions is what World Environment Day is all about.”

The theme for World Environment Day 2024, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” is particularly relevant given the pressing global and local environmental challenges. According to the United Nations, Nigeria loses approximately 350,000 hectares of land annually to desertification, a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective land restoration practices.

Ngozi Akinyele, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Coronation Group Limited, expressed the broader vision of the initiative: 'Trees for Tomorrow' is one of several ways we are taking tangible steps towards creating a more sustainable future. By planting over 400 trees, we are not only contributing to land restoration but also promoting biodiversity, rejuvenating our natural environments, and enhancing the resilience of our ecosystems. This initiative reflects our commitment to integrating sustainable practices across all facets of our operations and inspiring our people to take proactive steps in their communities."

Coronation Group’s efforts are guided by a 12-themed Sustainability Agenda, which aligns with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and the 7 Aspirations of Africa Agenda 2063. The Environment Theme within this agenda focuses on establishing Coronation entities as champions for best environmental and social practices. This framework ensures that Coronation’s actions contribute to global sustainability goals while addressing local development challenges.

Coronation Group’s commitment to sustainability is unwavering. As we celebrate our collective achievements on World Environment Day, we look forward to continuing our journey towards a greener future. Our efforts not only support global environmental goals but also pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for our clients and the African continent.