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By Ngozi Nwoke
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment & Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab has applauded Sterling Bank for its leadership in aligning business with purpose.
The commissioner pledged support to the initiative of Sterling Bank, Sterling One Foundation, and Water.Org to provide accessible clean water.
He spoke at the launch of the Sterling WASH Business Loan, a catalytic financing solution that empowers WASH businesses and service providers to scale sustainable access to safe water and sanitation across Nigeria.
The initiative aimed to address the urgent challenge of millions of Nigerians who do not have access to clean water and where safe sanitation is still a daily struggle, with far-reaching consequences for health, livelihoods, and overall well-being.
Represented by Mrs Opeyemi Sorunke, a deputy director at the ministry, Wahab emphasised the importance of collaboration to ensure that the purpose of the initiative is achieved fully.
He noted: “To the people of Lagos State, this launch is a hope for financial inclusion that can transform challenges into purpose and opportunities.
“Let us collaborate to achieve access to clean water and sanitation as pledged in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative should inspire more innovations. Together, we can build a healthier Nigeria.”
The launch, which took place in Lagos, signals a shared commitment to solving one of Nigeria’s most pressing development challenges, which are access to safe water and basic sanitation.
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Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director, Sterling Bank, highlighted the initiative’s role in fostering inclusive development.
He said: “Sustainable development depends on collaboration and targeted investment in the people and businesses delivering solutions on the ground.
“By providing accessible financing to entrepreneurs in such a critical social sector, we ensure that progress reaches communities that need it most. This product aligns with our HEART strategy and our commitment to improving quality of life through impact-driven initiatives.”
Gilbert Okpono, Nigeria Senior Partnership Account Manager at Water.Org, emphasised the transformative potential of financing WASH businesses.
“Financial inclusion is critical to solving the global water and sanitation crisis. By expanding access to affordable financing, we enable households and WASH entrepreneurs to improve services, reach more communities, and transform lives.
“Our partnership with Sterling Bank and Sterling One Foundation reflects a shared belief that when communities have the means to secure safe water and sanitation, the benefits ripple across health, education, and economic opportunity. This launch is a major step toward scaling that impact sustainably.”
The Sterling WASH Business Loan is designed to support WASH entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community service providers with flexible financing to expand and sustain their impact, enabling improved health, livelihoods, and educational outcomes across communities.
The initiative aligns closely with Sterling One Foundation’s mission to drive social impact and sustainable development across Africa.
Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, affirmed that, “Our Foundation’s mission is to catalyse initiatives that deliver real, lasting change. Access to safe water and sanitation is one of the most powerful investments in community well-being.
“Through this launch, we are opening doors for entrepreneurs, families, and communities to build healthier futures. We are proud to partner with these organisations to deliver solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and sustainable.”
The launch event brought together development partners, WASH entrepreneurs, media, policymakers, and community organisations to explore how coordinated financing, supportive policies, and market-driven solutions can close Nigeria’s WASH access gap.
