Lagos, June 10 — The UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa Group, has reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability through a tree-planting exercise at two of Lagos’ most historic educational institutions, including King’s College, Lagos, and CMS Grammar School, Bariga. This exercise marks the commencement of the Foundation’s 2026 Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative, which is being implemented across selected schools in Nigeria to promote environmental consciousness among young people and encourage climate-positive action.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to instil environmental responsibility in students by integrating sustainability practices into school communities and empowering young people to become environmental ambassadors.
Observed annually on June 5 and coordinated by the United Nations, World Environment Day is the world’s leading platform for environmental awareness and advocacy. The 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature.
For Climate. For Our Future,” underscores the urgent need for collective action to address environmental degradation. Managing Director/CEO of the UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future.
“We want young people to understand that the environment needs our collective support and protection,” Atta said, emphasizing the importance of encouraging sustainable practices that will help create healthier communities and a better future for all.
The choice of King’s College and CMS Grammar School was deliberate, reflecting both institutions’ rich heritage and their capacity to sustain environmental initiatives. Now in its fourth year, the Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative has already shown promise in promoting environmental awareness among young people.
Atta explained that the Foundation’s goal is to empower the next generation to take action in protecting the environment, and the tree-planting exercise is a key part of this effort.
Hefty goals require tangible actions, and the UBA Foundation’s tree-planting initiative is a concrete step towards promoting environmental sustainability. By engaging young people in environmental activities, the Foundation aims to foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the natural world.
The Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative is a vital component of the UBA Foundation’s environmental sustainability efforts, and its impact will be closely watched in the coming months.
As the initiative expands to more schools across Nigeria, it is likely to have a significant impact on promoting environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable practices among young people. Looking ahead, the success of the UBA Foundation’s tree-planting initiative will depend on its ability to inspire and empower young people to take action in protecting the environment. With the Foundation’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its focus on promoting environmental awareness among young people, there is reason to be optimistic about the potential for positive change.
