By sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Zenith Bank Sierra Leone Limited has made a significant contribution to the Freetown City Council (FCC) by donating 2,500 trees, valued at 40,000 New Leones. The donation is part of the bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its support for the FCC’s “Freetown The Tree Town” initiative.
The donated trees are being distributed free of charge to residents across various locations in Freetown, including Wilberforce, Upgun Roundabout, Shell New Road, Dwarzack Junction, Congo Cross, and Lumley.
Freetown resident Hawa Samai, who received a coconut tree, expressed her gratitude for the gesture. She assured that she would plant the tree in her compound, recognizing its benefits for both her family and the wider community. Similarly, Eddie Unisa, another resident, was delighted to receive an avocado tree at no cost, pledging to plant it as well.
Freetown faces numerous environmental challenges, including flooding, extreme heat, landslides, and air pollution, all of which are exacerbated by climate change. The “Freetown The Tree Town” initiative aims to address these issues by planting 5-7 million trees by 2030. This campaign seeks to enhance the city’s resilience to natural hazards while improving air quality, stabilizing soil, capturing stormwater runoff, and increasing green spaces.
The FCC’s tree giveaway campaign is designed to bring these benefits directly to Freetown residents, offering them the opportunity to plant trees in their homes and communities. Trees provide numerous environmental benefits, such as producing oxygen, sequestering carbon, and filtering pollutants. Additionally, they contribute to the beautification of the city and create habitats for wildlife.
Chijioke Ejilemele, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, praised the FCC’s initiative to make Freetown greener. “Zenith Bank is proud to support the green project as part of our corporate social responsibility and our commitment to giving back to the community,” Ejilemele stated. “We believe in the future of Sierra Leone and want to contribute to the sustainability of our city.”
Ejilemele emphasized the importance of planting trees, noting that they not only produce oxygen but also protect buildings and improve overall environmental health. He confirmed the bank’s ongoing support for the project.
Joining the distribution team at the Freetown Tree Giveaway, FCC Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr expressed her appreciation for Zenith Bank’s long-standing partnership. She announced that the FCC now has a total of 27,000 trees for distribution across 10 locations, with the first batch of 600 trees planted at Lumley Beach on Friday, August 23, 2024. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr highlighted the benefits of tree planting, including the beautification of the city and the production of clean air for residents. SKS/26/8/2024
