To mark World Environment Day, the UBA Foundation launched a tree-planting campaign in Lagos, planting 100 trees across two prominent secondary schools to promote environmental responsibility among students.
The initiative saw the foundation plant trees at both King’s College and CMS Grammar School, with officials describing the exercise as part of a long-term effort to encourage climate consciousness and sustainability.
Speaking during the event, UBA Foundation CEO Bola Atta said the programme was designed to inspire younger generations to play active roles in protecting the environment and reducing the impact of climate change.
“Today, on World Environment Day, we are taking the initiative to plant about 100 trees in schools in Nigeria. We have decided on two schools today. The first one we visited was King’s College, and we are here now at CMS Grammar School,” Atta said.
She explained that the foundation has been driving environmental awareness programmes for several years, focusing on educating students about sustainable practices and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Atta stressed that preserving the environment is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of governments, organisations, schools and citizens.
“We want young people to understand that the environment needs help. We want to produce fewer toxins and build more things that will give us oxygen for life,” Atta said.
“It is a collective mission. It is not just us as a foundation or the UBA Group as a private enterprise. Government, private individuals and educational institutions all have a role to play.”
She also expressed concern over the disappearance of green spaces in many urban areas due to development projects, noting that tree planting remains one of the most effective ways to restore ecological balance.
“Development became more important than trees over the years. Trees were cut down and green spaces were eradicated in some urban centres. But there is no time like today to start making a difference,” she added.
“These are notable institutions. One is over 100 years old and the other is the first missionary school in Nigeria. We also wanted schools where we know the trees will be maintained and allowed to grow.”
CMS Grammar School Principal, Jacob Ogunyenka, welcomed the initiative, describing it as both environmentally beneficial and educational for students.
“Today is a great day in our school. We welcome the CEO of UBA Foundation and the team for coming to celebrate World Environment Day with us through tree planting,” Ogunyenka said.
“They have selected beautiful trees that will help make our environment more environmentally friendly, increase oxygen production and preserve our green areas.”
He added that practical activities such as tree planting help students better appreciate lessons on environmental conservation taught in school.
“Though students are taught about the importance of trees in biology, seeing it being put into practice creates greater awareness and consciousness about how they treat the environment,” he said.
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