Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB) has launched a school greening and tree planting campaign across primary and junior secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This initiative, inaugurated at Junior Secondary School, Bako, Kwali Area Council, aims to mitigate the impact of climate change.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the acting Executive Chairman of FCT UBEB, Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, stated that the campaign focuses on economic trees to instill environmental consciousness in learners while enhancing the physical environment of schools. This effort is expected to increase tree cover, enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and protect against soil erosion, thereby making public basic schools in the FCT greener and more environmentally sustainable.
Mrs. Wenegieme emphasized the responsibility placed on learners to nurture and protect the trees planted, highlighting their symbolic representation of growth, hope, and resilience. She remarked that this campaign is a significant step towards creating learning environments that support academic excellence and inspire environmental stewardship and responsible citizenship among future generations.
The campaign, implemented in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission, will cover over 600 primary schools and more than 200 junior secondary schools in the FCT. Wenegieme noted the importance of nurturing a culture of environmental responsibility, strengthening climate resilience, and creating healthier learning environments. She underscored the need for proactive measures to promote environmental sustainability amid the challenges posed by climate change.
Mr. Victor Orifah, Director of Junior Secondary Schools at FCT UBEB, described the campaign as a milestone in the commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. He stressed the integration of environmental responsibility into the school system to nurture learners as active stewards of a sustainable future.
The Etsu Kwali, Luka Nizassan III, praised FCT UBEB and UBEC for the initiative, describing it as a renaissance of tree planting in schools for a healthier and cleaner environment. He encouraged students to take responsibility for nurturing the trees, promising to provide tree seedlings for planting in homes to enhance community-level environmental resilience.