Lagos State Lauds the Alternative Bank for Walk4ZeroPlastic Initiative

The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has commended The Alternative Bank (AltBank) for its leadership in environmental sustainability following the successful Walk4ZeroPlastic march.

The event, organised in collaboration with the Sterling Sustainability Working Group, mobilised over 300 volunteers in a plastic clean-up exercise that culminated at Tejuosho Market in Lagos. Several tonnes of plastic waste were recovered during the exercise, which also featured community sensitisation on proper waste disposal and long-term environmental practices.

Representing the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, the Director of Waste Management, Adeoye Babajide, stated that the campaign aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle plastic pollution, particularly in densely populated areas. Wahab praised The Alternative Bank for setting an example within the private sector.

“I want to commend and appreciate The Alternative Bank, a member of the Sterling Group, for their exemplary contribution and collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in achieving the successful management of used plastics and ultimately ensuring environmental sustainability and protection in Lagos,” Wahab said. “The organisers should be applauded as an example for other private organisations to emulate.”

The Walk4ZeroPlastic initiative aimed to raise awareness about the impact of plastic waste. The event engaged not only volunteers and employees but also market leaders, residents, and government agencies. In support of Lagos State Waste Management Authority’s (LAWMA) efforts, The Alternative Bank also donated plastic waste bins to the market to aid in waste collection and sorting.

Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Executive Director (South) at The Alternative Bank, said the campaign reflects the Bank’s broader commitment to sustainability.

“This initiative is a testament to our collective commitment to a cleaner, healthier Lagos. We believe that through consistent, community-driven action like this, we can tackle plastic pollution at its roots. The Alternative Bank is proud to lead this charge and collaborate with dedicated partners who share our vision,” she said

Other participating organisations included the Sterling ONE Foundation, Wastebanc, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Rite Foods, Africa Clean-up Initiative, and Foodbank.

Chairperson of the Sterling Sustainability Working Group, Bunmi Ajiboye, highlighted the importance of awareness in creating long-term behavioural change.

“While we celebrate the physical cleanup that has taken place, the real victory lies in the lasting impact this campaign will have on the community mindset. Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and we’re proud to be part of a movement that is making tangible progress towards a cleaner future,” she said.

The campaign also included direct engagement with traders and residents on reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste.