The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has donated various receptacles to Kano State Government to complement efforts towards providing clean and healthy environment.
Presenting the items at the Ministry of Environment on Friday in Kano, the Head, Corporate Services of the bank, Mr Idris Salihu, said the move was pertinent to recognition of government effort.
Salihu said that in spite of numerous challenges, the government had continued to strive to provide a clean environment.
“As an institution which has the mandate of ensuring a clean and safe environment, we recognise the efforts you have put in place and we feel it is important to complement and encourage you by presenting to you these receptacles,’’ he said.
According to him, Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) talks about climate action and how corporate, including private and public sectors, should work together to pursue issues that ensure sustainability.
“This is also tied into the 16 elements of the 2030 that Nigeria has signed to on the Millennium Development Goals,” said Salihu.
He added that no doubt, going by the records, the state government has committed much effort towards achieving these goals.
Salihu stated that in line with this year’s World Environmental Day, the receptacles would 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 of Environment.
“This donation today marks the beginning of our journey together and I assure you that our doors are open to assist you in providing a cleaner, safe and pollution free environment in the state,’’ he said.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Aliyu 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 was important to note that Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano state has passion for the environment which was a source of relief.
Garo commended the bank and assured that the ministry would make judicious use of the donated items by making sure they are placed at strategic locations for waste collections. (NAN)