LAGOS, Nigeria — A large-scale climate literacy and tree planting campaign led by Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) in partnership with Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) has resulted in the planting of 5,500 tree saplings across 153 schools in Lagos State.
The initiative, tagged Grow Green, was executed in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON) to mark World Environment Day 2026, with a strong focus on embedding environmental responsibility among young learners.
Organisers said the campaign aligns with a broader target of planting 10,000 trees across six educational districts in the state, while also promoting climate awareness and sustainable practices among students.
As part of the activities held on June 27, 2026, at selected schools in Bariga and Ikorodu, participants engaged in hands-on environmental education, including tree planting, waste management training, and composting demonstrations.
A total of 202 students from Eva Adelaja Girls Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Bariga, and Government Model Junior and Senior Colleges, Owutu, Ikorodu, alongside 20 teachers, 58 SEEPCO volunteers, and community leaders, took part in the exercise. During the event, 336 tree saplings were planted within the two host schools.
Students were trained on waste segregation into six categories—biodegradable, recyclable, hazardous, sanitary, electronic, and residual waste—aimed at promoting cleaner school environments and healthier communities.
They were also introduced to composting techniques, learning how organic waste such as food remains and leaves can be converted into nutrient-rich compost to enhance soil fertility and plant growth.
Stakeholders at the event emphasized that climate action requires collective responsibility and practical steps at the community level.
Samuel Eruwa, a community leader in Ikorodu, described the initiative as impactful, noting that environmental neglect directly affects human wellbeing.
For many students, the programme fostered a deeper sense of responsibility. Ayomide Modat, a senior student, pledged to nurture the tree she planted and extend the knowledge gained to others within her community.
A SEEPCO volunteer highlighted the emotional significance of the exercise, describing tree planting as both an environmental act and a personal tribute to loved ones.
Organisers noted that beyond awareness, the initiative is designed to drive behavioural change and empower students as environmental advocates capable of influencing sustainable practices in their schools, homes, and communities.
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With Lagos’ growing population and environmental challenges, stakeholders say initiatives like Grow Green are critical to building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban future.
VCDF reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening climate literacy nationwide through strategic partnerships, leveraging SEEPCO’s corporate social responsibility efforts to promote environmental stewardship across communities.
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