The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), in partnership with Continental Reinsurance Company, have embarked on a mission to enhance environmental sustainability by planting 2,000 trees at the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC). This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat climate change within the Lekki-Epe corridor and foster a greener future.
The event underscored the crucial role of corporate partnerships in environmental conservation. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Joseph Onoja, the Director-General of NCF, emphasized the importance of June as a month dedicated to nature conservation, with numerous activities aimed at preserving our natural environment. Represented by Mr. Uchenna Achunine, Director of Business Development and Communications at NCF, Dr. Onoja highlighted the quality of the collaboration between NCF and Continental Reinsurance.
“Though our partnership has not been for many years, we have become a family. They have treated us very well as partners,” Onoja remarked, reflecting on the deep bond forged through their shared environmental mission. He praised Continental Reinsurance for their ambitious project to plant one million trees across Africa, a commitment that extends beyond mere corporate social responsibility to a genuine effort to drive ecological change.
In May, Continental Reinsurance extended an invitation to NCF to speak at their ninth Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Summit in Zimbabwe. This platform provided NCF with the opportunity to advocate for nature conservation among key industry leaders. Dr. Onoja shared that they are currently working on detailed plans to further integrate environmental sustainability into the insurance sector, leveraging this newfound support to amplify their impact.
For over 44 years, NCF has been at the forefront of environmental conservation in Nigeria, advocating for sustainable practices and the preservation of natural habitats. In 2017, the foundation launched the Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) project, an ambitious initiative aimed at restoring Nigeria’s forest cover to 25 percent. However, current estimates place the forest cover between four and eight percent, indicating a significant gap that needs to be bridged.
“Our forest cover is still a far cry from where it is supposed to be,” Onoja lamented, urging for continued and increased efforts in reforestation and conservation.
Mr. Chukwuemeka Akwiwu, Group Executive Director of Technical Operation at Continental Reinsurance, delivered a goodwill message at the tree planting event. He expressed the company’s alignment with the GRN project and their pleasure in contributing 2,000 trees to this noble cause. Akwiwu emphasized the symbolic importance of the trees, stating, “These trees are not just ceremonial trees, but a symbol of hope in combating climate change.”
Following NCF’s impactful participation at the ninth CEOs Summit, Akwiwu committed Continental Reinsurance to ongoing advocacy for climate change within the insurance industry. “We will mobilize key players in this regard,” he pledged, recognizing the potential for insurance companies to play a pivotal role in environmental sustainability.
The partnership between NCF and Continental Reinsurance exemplifies how collaboration can lead to meaningful change. Akwiwu lauded the NCF’s efforts and the inspiration they provided to industry leaders, showcasing how corporate entities can support and amplify the work of environmental foundations.
“Today’s event is a significant milestone in our broader goal of achieving environmental targets at Continental Reinsurance,” Akwiwu stated. He reiterated the organization’s commitment to creating a positive environmental impact through collaboration and shared effort.
As the final trees were planted, the sense of hope and determination was palpable. This initiative not only represents a step towards a greener Nigeria but also serves as a beacon of what can be achieved through concerted efforts and strong partnerships.
