By Aduragbemi Omiyale
For the second straight year, Zenith Bank Plc has won the Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria award at the International Banker 2024 Banking Awards.
The chief executive of the financial institution, Ms Adaora Umeoji, said this affirms the financial institution’s sustainable banking practices, setting a benchmark for excellence within the Nigerian banking industry and beyond.
Business Post reports that Zenith Bank has been a leader in monitoring and reporting sustainability impact.
Since becoming the first bank in Africa to publish a stand-alone sustainability report per the GRI Standards: Core Option in 2016, it has consistently published assured stand-alone sustainability reports.
The lender is one of the few institutions in Nigeria that tracks its carbon emissions using a certified tool built on the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.
Zenith Bank is deeply committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values, subscribing to the Triple Bottom Line principle, which encompasses People, Planet, and Profit.
As a leading financial institution that services various sectors of the economy, the bank considers Environmental and Social (E&S) risk management critical to its sustainability strategy.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised as the Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria for the second time in a row.
“This prestigious award underscores our steadfast commitment to sustainability and reinforces our belief that responsible banking is essential for long-term success and societal impact,” Ms Umeoji said in a statement.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the visionary and impactful leadership of our founder and Chairman, Mr Jim Ovia. His exceptional foresight and dedication have been the cornerstone of our success.
“His ability to inspire and guide with strategic acumen has been instrumental in steering Zenith Bank to new heights.
“Along with the strategic guidance of our esteemed board members, the unwavering commitment of our ever-diligent staff, and the steadfast support of our loyal customers, his leadership has been pivotal in transforming our sustainability initiatives into a reality.
“We owe this success to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his deep-seated commitment to redefining the banking landscape in Nigeria,” she added.
Dipo Olowookere