By Modupe Gbadeyanka

To align technological advancement with its long-term environmental stewardship, Hydrogen Payment Services has come up with a bold e-waste initiative focused not just on responsible disposal, but on environmental renewal—turning discarded devices into trees.

This sustainability strategy is built on transparency and measurable action, allowing each stage of the e-waste process to be tracked, audited, and reported to ensure accountability—and to contribute to the company’s long-term ESG goals and carbon credit targets.

With this new policy, Hydrogen has created a dedicated e-waste drop-off system at its offices to ensure safe and traceable disposal of obsolete devices.

In addition, it will have regular environmental education for all staff, reinforcing its internal culture of responsibility, and begin the planting of trees tied directly to the volume of waste processed, allowing the organisation to convert harmful materials into meaningful environmental impact.

With Nigeria generating over 500 tons of electronic waste annually—making it the largest e-waste producer in West Africa—Hydrogen is stepping up to address a critical but often ignored threat in the digital finance ecosystem.

From outdated POS terminals to unused card readers, electronic waste poses environmental and health risks that demand urgent attention.

While partnering with certified recyclers, the spotlight remains on Hydrogen’s leadership in creating a circular model for tech infrastructure: one that reduces harm, restores nature, and inspires industry-wide change.

The Managing Director of Hydrogen Payment Services, Ms Kemi Okusanya, said, “We understand that progress must be responsible.

“We are not just collecting waste—we are actively restoring the environment by planting trees for every kilogram of e-waste processed. This is sustainability in action.”

She assured that “this is not a one-off; it’s part of how we build, operate, and lead—with the planet in mind. Our journey to influence is as much about innovation as it is about impact.”

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Yemi Cardoso, has called for continued synergy with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) towards safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system, amidst evolving economic challenges.

He made the call while congratulating the new NDIC board on their appointments and expressed optimism about deepening collaboration between the two institutions.

Speaking on Wednesday at the CBN Headquarters in Abuja during a courtesy call by the newly appointed management of the NDIC, led by the Managing Director, Mr Thompson Sunday, Mr Cardoso said, “Our meeting today is a clear testament to our willingness to work together. The CBN counts on NDIC’s support in navigating the uncertain times that we are in.”

He reiterated that the visit underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to strengthen collaboration towards safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system, amidst evolving economic challenges.

Mr Cardoso averred that his two years in office had revealed critical lessons in the financial industry, requiring that the CBN and the NDIC proactively deal with potential shocks by leveraging modern tools for financial stability.

He described the NDIC’s visit as timely, urging both institutions to work closely in mitigating risks and ensuring depositor confidence.

On his part, the NDIC Managing Director commended the apex bank for its reform programmes under the leadership of Mr Cardoso, particularly the stabilization of the forex market as well as the ongoing recapitalization of Deposit Money Banks.

He stated that the NDIC was committed to aligning its operations with the NDIC Act 2023 (as amended), explaining that the Corporation was in the process of embarking on a strategic restructuring to better align operations with its risk minimization mandate as well as developing a new corporate strategy as the one in use was due to expire at the end of the current year.

Mr Sunday reiterated the NDIC’s willingness to collaborate with the CBN towards enhancing financial system stability, expressing appreciation for the CBN’s support in premium collection from insured institutions.

On her part, the CBN Director of Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Mrs Rita Sike, noted that the joint crisis preparedness framework could be dealt with under the auspices of the Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee (FSRCC).

She explained that the CBN was in the process of enhancing the Credit Risk Management System (CRMS) to integrate the Global Standing Instruction (GSI), which will allow for the on-boarding of Other Financial Institutions (OFIs).

When the children from Booker Roots Club stepped into an Access Bank branch in Abuja on Wednesday, 30 July, 2025, for their special field trip, they were stepping into the beginning of a lifelong journey with money.

In many homes, money remains a grown-up topic, something children are not expected to understand until much later. But the truth is, financial habits begin to form early, and unfortunately, so do financial mistakes. That’s why teaching children how money works: how to earn, save, spend, and give, is one of the most powerful things we can do for their future.

This field trip was designed to bridge that gap. Through a hands-on, age-appropriate tour of the banking hall, conversations with Access Bank staff, and fun, relatable activities, the children were introduced to concepts like saving, needs vs wants, and how banks help people grow their money.

It was not just a fun day out; it was a deliberate move to equip the next generation with financial confidence.

Access Bank, long committed to driving community impact through education and inclusion, is reinforcing a simple but powerful message: you’re never too young to understand money. By making banking approachable and financial education accessible, the bank is helping shape a future where young people are not only dreamers, but planners, savers, and future investors.

With every curious question asked and every eye widened in discovery, one thing became clear: these kids are ready. And with Access Bank opening the doors to them, the future looks brighter, more inclusive, and financially empowered.