BENIN CITY – Towards actualizing their corporate social responsibility, (CSR), Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu on behalf of government yesterday received safety kits and environmental cleaning items from Sterling Bank.
Comrade Shaibu while thanking the bank officials for the partnership with the state in the cleanliness drive stated that despite setbacks, the state has put legislation in place to give cleanliness its rightful place in the society.
He stated, ” It is going to be a major policy programme, keeping the environment clean, gutters desilted by people in their immediate environment with support from government.”
He said people could, “Clear and make their lawns beautiful, recycle plastics/cellophane and other pet products while also cleaning debris to prevent flooding.” He informed that government was rolling out a public awareness campaign on desilting drains.
He reinstated that the Ministry of Environment/sustainability and the Easte Management Board were working as a team to create a clean environment which aligned with the vision of growing an economic hub in the state free of sickness.
This dream of growing the private sector he said, would only come into being when the banking sector key in as catalyst to drive the process which aides private sector economy.
The Deputy Governor called for more partnership/investment from the bank on creating more roads to aid the quick redistribution of wealth around the skilled labour force the state is building.
Emmanuel Emefienim, Executive Director, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank had earlier stated that haven carried out a feasibility study, the bank was poised to donate items in partnership with the state on yearly basis,aimed at promoting good health, safety and environment to better fulfil the bank’s corporate social responsibility to the state in which they are doing businesses.
Speaking on the donated items, Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omua Alonge Oni-Okpaku expressed her joy in having the items which meet up with health, safety and environment (HSE) policies in keeping workers well kitted against the backdrop of plights of street sweepers who face the challenges of cars trying to hit them.
General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr. Osadebamen Charles Imariagbe appreciated government for giving them the opportunity to network with the bank which has led to the delivery of donated items which would ultimately ensure cleanliness of the state.
The branded items included safety cones, dirt packers, iron- buckets, shovels, rakes, reflective overalls, brooms and face masks.
