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NCF honours Asiodu with one billion indigenous trees project as Lagos pledges support – EnviroNews
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The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has unveiled a one-billion indigenous trees planting project in honour of its President Emeritus, Chief Philip Asiodu, for his contributions to environmental conservation.
The project, known as the Asiodu One Billion Indigenous Trees Legacy Project, was announced at the NCF Green Ball, organised on Saturday, November 7, 2026, to celebrate Asiodu’s contributions to public service and conservation.
Speaking at the unveiling, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, President, Board of Trustee, NCF, said the initiative would mobilise governments, civil society organisations, schools, businesses and communities across Nigeria to plant one billion indigenous trees in one day.
Osinbajo said the project was conceived to immortalise Asiodu’s legacy of environmental protection, particularly his advocacy for forest conservation and ecosystem restoration.
He said Asiodu played a significant role in the NCF’s Green Recovery Nigeria initiative, launched between 2016 and 2017, with the goal of restoring Nigeria’s forest cover to 25 per cent by 2047.
He said the initiative had promoted reforestation and ecosystem restoration through partnerships with communities, governments and businesses, adding that more than 184,000 trees were planted in 2024 alone.
Osinbajo recalled Asiodu’s opposition to the proposed Cross River superhighway project in 2017, which threatened to destroy substantial portions of the state’s forest reserves.
He said Asiodu mobilised civil society organisations and government officials against the project, contributing to the suspension of the proposed development.
He added that Asiodu also championed the protection of endangered wildlife in Cross River, including gorillas, forest elephants, chimpanzees, pangolins and sea turtles.
He said the proposed tree-planting project would focus exclusively on indigenous species because they were better adapted to Nigeria’s environment and offered greater ecological benefits.
He said the foundation would collaborate with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and other relevant organisations to identify suitable indigenous tree species and ensure effective implementation.
He said the project would require nationwide participation and called for financial contributions, volunteers and institutional support.
He noted that Ethiopia had planted 47 billion trees between 2019 and 2026 and currently held the Guinness World Record for planting 385 million trees in a single day.
He said Ethiopia was targeting 800 million trees in another one-day exercise, adding that Nigeria had set its target at one billion trees.
He expressed confidence that the project would secure international recognition through the Guinness World Records, with participating individuals and organisations also recognised as record holders.
He urged Nigerians to support the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen environmental sustainability and preserve the country’s natural heritage.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, pledging continued support for the Nigerian Conservation Foundation’s (NCF) One Billion Indigenous Trees Legacy Project.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance at the NCF Green Ball, organised on Saturday night to honour its President Emeritus, Chief Philip Asiodu.
The governor was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin.
Sanwo-Olu said the initiative was a fitting tribute to Asiodu, whose contributions to public service and environmental conservation had spanned several decades.
He described Asiodu as an embodiment of distinguished public service, noting that he had devoted 46 years to the NCF, including 25 years as President of its Board of Trustees.
He said the annual celebration, with the theme “Restoring Our Forests, Securing Our Future”, highlighted the urgent need for sustained national commitment to forest restoration and biodiversity conservation.
According to him, forest degradation and biodiversity loss threaten ecological balance, livelihoods and climate security.
He said environmental protection remained central to Lagos State’s development vision, particularly as a coastal megacity and major economic centre.
“Our administration is advancing this commitment through investments in drainage and flood mitigation, waste management, environmental sanitation, urban greening, tree planting and climate resilience,” he said.
He reaffirmed the state government’s determination to protect natural ecosystems, expand urban greening, strengthen environmental infrastructure and integrate sustainability into its development programmes.
He said the Asiodu One Billion Indigenous Trees Legacy Project aligned with the state’s environmental objectives.
He stressed that forest restoration required more than planting seedlings, noting that it involved protecting native species, rebuilding natural habitats, ensuring the survival of planted trees and empowering communities.
“The success of this initiative will ultimately be measured by the forests restored, the ecosystems protected and the communities whose futures are secured,” he said.
He commended the NCF, under the leadership of its President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for promoting environmental conservation and initiating the project.
He urged the private sector, development partners, community leaders and Nigerians to support the initiative, describing environmental protection as a collective responsibility.
“The greatest tribute we can pay to Chief Asiodu is to ensure that his lifelong commitment inspires a new generation of Nigerians who understand that protecting nature is inseparable from protecting our collective future,” he said.
He called for a shift from advocacy to practical action and measurable results in environmental conservation.
He congratulated Asiodu and reaffirmed Lagos State Government’s commitment to collaborating with the NCF on environmental protection and sustainable development.
By Fabian Ekeruche
