Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, has joined leading climate innovation experts in advocating for stronger investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as vital tools for strengthening economic resilience and addressing the growing effects of climate change across Africa.
The call was made during a high-level webinar organised by Unity bank to mark this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?” The session brought together stakeholders and climate experts to examine the human, economic, and institutional burden of climate change, while highlighting actionable pathways for mitigation and adaptation.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, stressed the urgency of tackling climate risks from both societal and business standpoints.
According to him, climate change has evolved from being a distant concern to an immediate existential threat with far-reaching consequences for individuals, enterprises, and national economies. He noted that institutions must take proactive steps by embedding sustainability into project financing, supporting businesses, and investing in solutions that build resilience in vulnerable communities
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The webinar featured notable climate advocates including Chinwe Udo-Davis and Oluwatosin Ajide, both of whom shared practical insights into the causes of climate change and strategies for long-term adaptation.
Udo-Davis highlighted the unequal burden of climate change, explaining that underserved communities often suffer the greatest consequences despite having the least resources to respond. She pointed to challenges such as energy poverty, environmental degradation, and restricted access to sustainable alternatives, arguing that inclusive and intentional investments in clean energy solutions are necessary to bridge the gap.
Ajide, on his part, underscored the importance of system-wide collaboration in confronting climate-related challenges. He described climate change as a structural problem requiring a shift in thinking, from innovation and policy to financing and execution, while calling for stronger partnerships among stakeholders to deliver sustainable and inclusive outcomes.
Discussions during the session also focused on emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in shaping long-term economic resilience.
By convening the webinar, Unity Bank reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability-focused dialogue and initiatives that promote responsible growth, environmental stewardship, and financial inclusion.
The programme aligns with Unity bank’s broader strategic agenda of supporting environmentally conscious development while positioning itself as a key driver of sustainable finance in Nigeria and beyond.
By Folake Sokoya
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