As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has donated receptacles to the Kano State Government through the State’s Ministry of Environment to complement its efforts towards providing clean and safe environment for the people of Kano.
During the handover ceremony on Thursday in Kano, the Head, Corporate Services, Development Bank of Nigeria, Idris Salihu said, the move became pertinent in recognition of the efforts of the ministry under its Permanent Secretary who despite numerous challenges continue to strive to provide a clean environment.
“As an institution which has the mandate of ensuring a clean and safe environment, we recognize the efforts you have put in place and we feel it is important to complement and encourage you by presenting to you these receptacles”.
According to him, Goal 13 of the SDG talks about climate action and how corporate, including the private and public sectors should work together to pursue issues that ensure sustainability which is also tied into the 16 elements of the 2030 that Nigeria has signed to on the millennium development goals adding that no doubt, going by the records, the government of Kano has committed much efforts towards achieving these goals.
Salihu further stated that in line with this year’s World Environmental Day, it is hoped that the receptacles will help in refuse collection thereby preventing environmental pollution which has become a major source of concern worldwide.
“The Campaign for a clean and safe environment is a joint responsibility for both the private and public sector. Goal 13 of the SDG has made this clear and I must say that we are impressed at what the Kano State Government is doing through this Ministry”.
“Let it be on record that this same gesture was also carried out in Lagos, Abuja, Portharcut and today, Kano”.
“This donation today marks the beginning of our journey with you and I assure you that our doors are open to assist you in providing a cleaner safe and pollution free environment for the good people of the state”, he added.
The Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Environment, Aliyu Yakubu Garo while expressing gratitude over the kind gesture said, the state has done a lot in terms of climate change mitigation and waste management.
He said, it is important to note that Governor Abba Kabir of Kano State has passion for the environment which is a source of relief, recalling that the governor mentioned the ministry as part of his priority during his inaugural speech.
He applauded the DBN and assured that the ministry will make judicious use of the donated items by making sure they are placed at strategic locations for waste collections.