Education
World Environment Day: UBA, Enugu, MAJI, KADCCAM champion environmental sustainability – EnviroNews
– Advertisement –
UBA Foundation has reinforced commitment to environmental sustainability through tree planting at two iconic secondary schools in Lagos State.
UBA Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group.
In a statement on Sunday, June 7, in Lagos, the bank said the tree planting took place at King’s College, Lagos, and CMS Grammar School, Bariga, in commemoration of the 2026 World Environment Day (WED).
The theme for WED 2026 is ‘’Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.’’
UBA said that the theme underscored the urgent need for collective action to address climate change and environmental degradation.
It said the exercise marked the commencement of the foundation’s 2026 Tree Planting initiative being implemented across selected schools in Nigeria.
It said that the aim was to promote environmental consciousness among young people and encourage climate-positive action.
It quoted the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, as saying during tree planting at CMS Grammar School that the initiative was a strategic investment in the future.
“We want young people to understand that the environment needs our collective support and protection.
“Through initiatives like this, we are encouraging the next generation to embrace sustainable practices that will help to create healthier communities and a better future for all,” the bank quoted Atta as saying.
It added that Atta explained that the choice of King’s College and CMS Grammar School was to reflect both institutions’ rich heritage and their capacities to sustain the initiative over time.
“These are iconic institutions with deep historical significance.
“CMS Grammar School is Nigeria’s oldest secondary school, while King’s College has been shaping leaders for more than a century.
“We wanted schools where these trees will be nurtured and allowed to flourish for generations to come,” the bank quoted Atta as saying.
According to UBA, Atta said that the initiative came at a time when rapid urbanisation had continued to reduce green spaces across many Nigerian cities, highlighting the need for sustained environmental restoration efforts.
“Over the years, development has often taken precedence over environmental preservation, leading to loss of many trees and green areas.
“However, there is no better time than now to begin restoring our environment and making a lasting impact.”
It quoted UBA’s Group Chief Risk Officer, Awele Ajibola, as emphasising the importance of proactive environmental stewardship in addressing climate-related risks.
“At UBA, initiatives like this demonstrate our commitment to the environment and the communities we serve.
“Climate change presents real and growing risks, and as a responsible financial institution, we recognise our role in driving positive environmental action and sustainable development.”
According to UBA, other activities by it to mark 2026 WED include the bank’s inauguration as a member of the Finance Taskforce for Plastic Action in Nigeria, Green Talk sessions with its customers across branches and launch of sustainability clubs in some schools.
The bank quoted the Principal of CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Rev. Jacob Ogunyinka, as describing the tree planting as practical extension of environmental education.
“Our students learn about the importance of trees and environmental conservation in the classroom.
“Seeing these principles demonstrated in practice deepens their understanding and inspires greater responsibility towards protecting the environment,” it quoted Ogunyinka as saying.
The bank also quoted the Principal of King’s College, Lagos, Mr. Magaji Zachariah, as expressing appreciation to UBA Foundation for selecting the school as one of the beneficiaries of the programme and for investing in environmental education.
The Enugu State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has urged students to champion environmental sustainability through responsible environmental practices and climate action.
The ministry made the call during activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day (WED) celebration in the state, according to a statement issued on Sunday in Enugu.
The statement was signed by Mr. Elochukwu Anieze, Personal Assistant to the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development.
It stated that students from 20 schools across Enugu and Nsukka planted 400 trees as part of the celebration.
According to the statement, the exercise formed part of the pilot phase of a climate education campaign tagged, “Rooted in Action: Growing Green Generation.”
The initiative was organised by the Office of the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
It added that the project received funding support from UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office, while the Ministry of Education partnered in its implementation.
The statement noted that the campaign aligned with the 2026 World Environment Day theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
It explained that the programme was designed to promote climate action and responsible environmental stewardship among young people.
“Students participated in tree-planting and environmental awareness activities in their respective schools.
“They also attended interactive sessions on climate change, conservation and sustainable lifestyles,” it stated.
The ministry encouraged students to embrace proper waste management practices, reduce plastic use and sustain tree-planting activities to protect the environment.
It stressed that environmental protection required sustained collaboration among governments, institutions and citizens, adding that the newly planted trees would serve as symbols of hope, resilience and a greener future for the state.
The statement quoted Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, Senior Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, as reaffirming the state government’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Okereke, represented by Anieze, described climate education as essential to raising environmentally conscious future leaders.
He said that engaging young people in practical climate activities would strengthen sustainable development efforts and contribute to a greener future.
The statement also quoted the Office of the First Lady as reiterating its commitment to environmental protection and youth development initiatives.
According to the office, students remain critical stakeholders in addressing climate change and building resilient communities.
The organisers commended participating schools, teachers and students for supporting the initiative.
The participating schools included Queens School, Enugu; National Grammar School, Enugu; Idaw River Girls Secondary School, Enugu; University of Nigeria Secondary School, Nsukka; Miketery International School, Enugu; and Uwani Secondary School, Enugu, among others.
A non-governmental organisation (NGO), People, Planet and Peace Foundation, has called for stronger protection of Africa’s coastal communities and ecosystem for environmental sustainability.
Mr. Olatunji Francisco, the Lead for Climate Beyond Borders Caravan (CBBC) in Africa and the CBBC Secretary, Nigeria, Miss Olabisi Kumuyi, said this on Friday, June 5, 2026, in Accra, Ghana.
The CBBC, an initiative of the People, Planet and Peace Foundation, is a Pan-African, youth-led initiative, designed to champion climate, cross-border cooperation, and green economic transformation across the continent.
In a statement jointly issued by the two environmentalists on behalf of the foundation, they contended that oceans are part of the earth resources with the capacity to absorb more carbon emission than forests.
The duo, however, observed that urban and household waste usually ended up in oceans limiting its ability to absorb carbon while also endangering aquafauna.
‘’As the world marks World Environmental Day 2026, CBBC joins the global movement in amplifying this year`s call for urgent climate action and sustainable environmental solutions.
‘’CBBC reaffirms its commitment to driving climate awareness into meaningful community-level impact through youth engagement, environmental advocacy, and cross-border collaboration across Africa.
‘’The caravan emphasises that protecting the environment requires collective responsibility, local action, and continues efforts towards building climate-resilient communities,’’ they said.
The environmentalists urged all individuals, institutions, and governments to take bold and practical steps towards safeguarding the planet for present and future generations.
‘’We are not only spreading awareness through caravan but also building a movement.
“We are building a movement that encourages people to adopt sustainable practices, protect natural resources, and become active participants in creating a greener and more resilient future,” they said.
According to them, the CBBC stands for unity, bringing together young people, communities, leaders, artists, and environmental advocates across nations to raise awareness and inspire action on climate change and environmental- sustainability.
‘’Let us renew our commitment to environmental stewardship, planting trees, reducing waste, conserving energy, protecting our ecosystems, and educating others about the importance of caring for our plant,’’ they said.
The Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI) has called for urgent and stronger climate action and measures to tackle pollution in the Niger Delta Region.
Mr. Ikechukwu Ahaka, the Lead Project Officer, Environment and Conservation, made the call in Port Harcourt on Friday, at a news briefing to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day.
Ahaka said that there was need for wider deployment of technology-driven monitoring system to tackle pollution in the region.
He said that environmental challenges from oil exploration, industrial operations, and human-induced pollution had continued to threaten public health.
“Fresh environmental monitoring data from communities across the Niger delta have reinforced calls for stronger climate action and stricter enforcement against pollution.
“Evidence gathered through our environmental monitoring projects has revealed persistent pollution challenges linked to oil exploration and other human-induced environmental pressures,” he said.
Ahaka stated that it had become critical to adopt reliable environmental data in addressing climate change, and holding polluters accountable.
“Analysis from air quality monitoring systems deployed in several communities showed elevated levels of particulate matter, with pollution concentrations,” he said.
He said that the findings highlighted the urgent need for environmental regulators to rely more on scientific data to identify pollution sources and enforce compliance with environmental standards.
The lead project officer, further said that MAJI had installed low-cost air quality monitoring devices across communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers.
According to him, the installation was done through MAJI’s project called Strengthening Data for Climate Action in Nigeria (SD-CAN).
Ahaka expressed concern over the social and economic consequences of environmental degradation.
He said that pollution had damaged livelihoods, deepened poverty and contributed to instability in many communities.
The MAJI official urged the Federal Government to strengthen environmental regulatory agencies, end gas flaring, and encourage renewable energy adoption.
Ahaka also urged oil companies and other stakeholders in the region to work collectively toward protecting public health and the environment.
It will be recalled that the theme for the 2026 world environment day is: “Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for Our Future”.
The Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM) has commended the Kaduna State Government for successfully hosting the 2026 World Environment Day celebration in Kaduna.
KADCCAM Co-Chair, Mr. Ibrahima Yakubu, gave the commendation in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Kaduna.
Yakubu described the event as a significant step toward promoting environmental sustainability, climate resilience and sustainable development in the state.
He praised the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources for its leadership in organising the event.
According to him, the celebration brought together government officials, development partners, environmental experts, civil society organisations, community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders.
He said the gathering provided an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration on environmental protection and climate action.
“The State Ministry deserves special commendation for providing a platform that encouraged dialogue, collaboration and public awareness on environmental conservation and climate change.
“The success of this event reflects the ministry’s commitment to advancing environmental governance and sustainable environmental practices across the state,” he said.
Yakubu said the successful hosting of the event underscored the state’s recognition of the role of environmental protection and climate action in sustainable development.
He identified climate change, deforestation, land degradation, pollution, flooding and biodiversity loss as major threats to livelihoods and ecosystems.
The KADCCAM co-chair stressed the need for governments, institutions and citizens to work together to address the challenges.
He also commended the ministry’s management, development partners, sponsors and participants for contributing to the success of the celebration.
Yakubu said World Environment Day remained an opportunity for stakeholders to renew their commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
He reaffirmed KADCCAM’s commitment to supporting climate accountability, environmental sustainability and climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives in Kaduna State.
Yakubu expressed confidence that the outcomes of the celebration would strengthen partnerships and encourage practical actions toward building a greener and more sustainable state.
By Grace Alegba, Alex Enebeli, Gabriel Agbeja, Precious Akutamadu and Ezra Musa
,autocrop(1200:630)&w=80&resize=80,80&ssl=1 "I’m happy I didn’t win Ballon d’Or — Yamal makes shocking admission")
