……Advocates for Environmental and Economic Sustainability
By Emamuzo Iboma
In a bid to promote environmental and economic sustainability, the One Million Tree Initiative, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has commemorated this year’s World Environment Day by planting trees and cash crops in Magodo Phase 1 Gateway Zone Estate, Lagos.
The initiative reaffirms the NGO’s commitment to planting one million trees across Nigeria. The organization collaborated with partners including SMP Media Group, GSR 360 Ltd, CPower Solutions & Power Gas, Indigenous Cultural Center, Extel Table Water, Queen Park Estate, Doestek, and the Rotary Club of Lekki to drive the national greening campaign.
Misty Ngozi Uba, co-founder of the initiative, emphasized that the campaign targets planting an additional one million trees in the coming years. Having begun in Lagos, the initiative has now expanded to Rivers and Delta States, addressing both environmental degradation and food insecurity.
“In Port Harcourt alone, we planted 280 trees this year to support efforts against deforestation and enhance urban greening. This not only improves air quality but also promotes community well-being,” Uba said.
She explained that this year’s campaign extended to Port Harcourt and Asaba as part of the broader One Million Tree Initiative, with erosion-resistant trees planted in Ofagbe and cash crops introduced in Lagos to enhance food security.
The tree-planting event in Magodo attracted environmentalists, residents, and community leaders, all united in their goal to combat environmental degradation. “Today, we are not just planting trees; we are sowing the seeds for a healthier, greener future,” Uba noted.
She added that in Delta State, especially in Ofagbe and Asaba, the initiative is focused on erosion control, with volunteers planting tree species known for their soil-stabilizing abilities. In Lagos, the emphasis is on planting cash crops alongside indigenous trees, providing both ecological protection and food production benefits.
“Tree planting is a powerful and tangible way to fight climate change, improve air quality, and preserve biodiversity,” Uba stated. “But lasting change requires the active involvement of every community.”
Ugo Ogoke, Chief Brand Strategist and Managing Director of SMP Media Group, stressed the urgency of addressing plastic pollution, noting that environmental degradation stems from decades of unchecked consumerism and poor waste management.
“This isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis and a ticking time bomb for future generations,” Ogoke said. “World Environment Day is a call to action. The damage is real, but it’s not irreversible. We must make better choices—for our children and our planet.”
Lady Cheta Nwabuike, representing CPower Solutions & Power Gas, applauded the initiative. “This project aligns with what we’ve been doing for the past 12 years—protecting the environment. We’re proud to collaborate on this cause for ecological restoration.”
Participants praised the initiative, viewing it as a vital step toward mitigating the effects of climate change. “This is just the beginning,” said Mrs. Yemi Fasogba, a resident and volunteer. “We hope to see more initiatives like this that bring long-term change.”
Reflecting on the global plastic crisis, she added: “Plastic was once celebrated for its durability and low cost, but its environmental impact is catastrophic. Microplastics are now found in our food, water, and even the air we breathe. According to the UN, over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with less than 10% recycled.”
Martin Badejo, a member of Gateway Estate Magodo who represented the estate’s chairman, Ayo Fasogba, noted that this was the second visit from the NGO, following the first in 2021.
“All the trees planted then have survived and now provide shade and beauty to our estate. When the Lagos State Ministry of Environment visited, they were so impressed with our efforts that the estate was awarded a Hummer bus,” Badejo said.
