In a proactive response to environmental challenges facing schools in Kwara State, a coalition of non-governmental organisations under the banner of Good Deeds Day has planted over 1,000 trees across various schools in the state.
The massive tree-planting campaign, which took place yesterday, was carried out in selected schools including Taoheed Secondary School, Forte Credence International School, St. Anthony Secondary School, Bishop Smith Secondary School, and ECWA Secondary School in Ganmo.
Speaking during the exercise, the team lead of the coalition, Mrs. Funmilayo Osiegbu, said the initiative was part of the group’s activities to mark the 2025 Good Deeds Day, which was globally celebrated in April but shifted to June locally due to logistical reasons. “The reason for having the tree planting drive is to be able to fulfill the United Nations SDGs 13 and 15 on climate change,” she explained. “This is to sensitize our children on the effects of climate change. There are many things that are affecting the environment right now. We have the ozone layer being affected because of pollution. There are plastics causing lots of degradation.”
Osiegbu, who also serves as the Executive Director of Bundies Care Support Initiative, emphasized the importance of teaching students environmental responsibility through hands-on activities like tree planting. She noted that the initiative is being implemented in phases, ultimately targeting the planting of 1,000 trees across Kwara schools. “This includes educational talks, demonstration of how to plant trees, and teaching students its importance to the earth and survival of humans and animals,” she added.
She highlighted the benefits of the initiative, explaining that the planted trees will improve the quality of the environment, provide fruits, offer shade, and beautify school premises. “The initiative will encourage afforestation and combat global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere,” she stressed.
In a goodwill message, the Secretary General of UNESCO, Dr. Lateef-Idowu Olagunju, commended the coalition for its impactful project. Represented by Mr. Odedeji Taiye, the UNESCO Desk Officer at the Kwara State Ministry of Education, he described the programme as a demonstration of kindness, generosity, and community spirit. “By planting trees, we’re not only beautifying our surroundings but also reducing carbon footprint. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. They also support biodiversity and provide habitats for various species,” he said.
The Head Boy of ECWA Secondary School, Ganmo, Mr. Olamilekan Akinola, expressed delight at the initiative and pledged to encourage his fellow students to take up tree planting as a means of saving the planet. Similarly, the school’s principal, Dr. Steve Timilade, praised the coalition for the gesture and promised to continue sensitising students on the importance of trees to environmental sustainability.
