NGO, firms begin one million trees campaign in Lagos, World Environmental Day

The World Environmental Day theme for 2024 is Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience – Our Land Our Future,”

A Non Governmental Organization, One Million Tree Initiative, LG Electronics Inc, SMP Media Group, GSR 360 Ltd, CE Power Solutions, have collaborated on tree planting one million trees in Lagos. The exercise took place at Omole Housing Estate, phase 1 Ikeja.

‘Basically, this drive aims to create awareness and showcase the significant impact and successes of the One Million Tree Initiative in order to promote environmental sustainability.

Where the group created awareness and planted trees.

Head of Women Desk at the Sun Publishing Limited and Co-founder of One Million Tree Initiative, Josfyn Uba said 40% of the earth have been degraded.

The total land area on earth is degraded, or lost some or all of its natural productivity due to humans. This degradation has affected nearly half of the global population.

The tree planting exercises focuses as much as one million trees to preserve the earth. Emphasizing on the need towards preservation of the earth.

“Destroying the earth is like destroying your lungs, let us create awareness on the effect it has on climate so people can understand and support the initiative of earth preservation.

Uba said they have been at the forefront of environmental stewardship, implementing projects that aimed in transforming the way we think about the environment. Our initiative has made a tangible difference in the lives of individuals, communities, and the environment.”

Convener of the Initiative, Mr Chukwuemeka Uba said planting trees play a crucial role in regulating regional and global climates by influencing patterns. The tree planting exercise has impact on climate change.

Mr. Uba stated: As we celebrate World Environment Day, let us remember that our actions today determine the future of our planet. As individuals, communities, organizations and nations, we have a shared responsibility to take action against climate change and protect our land.

‘On this World Environment Day, he stressed the need to plant trees, in order to restore our degraded lands, and build resilience against desertification and drought.

Collectively, he said we would create a sustainable and resilient world for generations to come, a future where “Our Land Our Future” thrives, and humanity coexists in harmony with nature.

The Chairman of Omole Housing Estate, Honourable Bimbola Osikoya expressed joy over the project initiated at Omole Housing Estate. I know the role plant play in the environment. There is a lot of benefits when it comes to tree planting and we are ready to support it because it’s a good course.

Osikoya urged the global community to embrace tree planting initiative because it would help protect the earth. Plant a tree is the fact that you need to create a cleaner and healthier environment for city dwellers.”

Concerning the preservation of our environment, tree planting remains a veritable and age-long means of fighting desertification and reforestation. Trees provide enormous benefits to our everyday lives.

‘They filter the air, prevent erosion, provide fresh drinking water, and create home for thousands of species of plants and animals. Trees serve as wind breakers and help insulate homes as well as reduce heat.

‘It is on this premise and their continued effort to mitigate Climate Change, achieve a sustainable greener environment that we have collaborated in the tree planting drive. She assured that effort will be preserved and nurtured as a gardener will be assigned to take of the trees planted in the estate.

A representative of GSR 360, Mr Misty Ngozi appealed to everyone to plant a tree in their communities to restore the dignity of the earth. It is not the person who plant the trees that takes shelter first under the tree.

Mr. Ngozi added that they have been planting trees in various communities and this is the fifth edition since they started. Every year they sensitized people on the importance of planting trees.

Executive Director, of SMP Media Group, Emeka Ikade said the only way to go is green. If we don’t take care of our environment,it will not take care of us. The only way to protect the environment is to be involved in tree planting.

Ikede stressed the need for us to be responsible and protect the environment. The message is clear,we can feel the heat, unusual eat at unusual times, unusual rain at unusual times it shows that something is happening to our environment, every little thing we need to do, should be done.

He encouraged Nigeriàns to join the campaign and plant trees. We don’t need to wait for government. All we need to do is to take initiative and plant in your own corner so our environment can be rich again.

Public Relations Officer at LG Electronics Nigeria, Moses Osime emphasized the need for Nigerians to plant more trees. Considering the importance in every environment. and society. He implored every one and corporate organization to plant trees.

Osime added that as a brand they were approached with the tree planting idea in 2011, before then we never thought about it. However, we bought into the idea and joined the campaign,take action and started planting trees in our locality. Our office was at Opebi, so we chose Alausa to plant trees. The Lagos State Government recognized the save tree initiative so we kept planting to save lives. We also planted trees at Government College Maroko and also in Pan Atlantic University, Ibeju-Lekki Area of Lagos State. This is what we should be doing on a yearly basis, we have planted close to 700 trees.

Managing Director of CE Power Solutions, Lady Cheta Nwabuike said they recognize the urgent need to address the profound challenges posed by climate change, land degradation, and the increasing frequency of droughts.

Nwabuike stated that Climate change, is driven by human activities and the release of greenhouse gases, is a pressing issue that threatens the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and extreme weather events are just a few of the consequences we face. These changes lead to land degradation, desertification, and increased vulnerability to droughts, putting our future at risk.

“Trees, nature’s silent heroes, offer a powerful solution to combat climate change and restore our lands. Through the process of photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen, making them natural carbon sinks.

“It is crucial to recognize the pressing need for action against climate change and the vital role of tree planting in addressing these global challenges. We reaffirm our commitment to fostering sustainable practices and enhancing the resilience of our ecosystems.

‘ Additionally, by planting trees and restoring forests, we can sequester carbon, mitigate the effects of climate change, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

‘Moreover, trees play a vital role in preventing soil erosion, regulating water cycles, and fostering biodiversity. They provide habitats for countless species, maintain soil fertility, and contribute to the overall health of our ecosystems. By restoring degraded lands and planting trees, we can enhance drought resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of our land.

“Let us be the change we wish to see in the world. Join in planting the seeds of hope, for a greener, more resilient planet. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our land remains a source of life, prosperity, and wonder for generations to come.