Abuja, June 4, 2026 – The World of Faith Group of Schools (WOFGOS), a Christian-based educational institution, has launched a tree-planting initiative involving 4,000 exotic trees in Abuja as part of efforts to promote climate-resilient urban development.
The Administrator-General of WOFGOS, Mrs Daisy Idahosa, said the initiative was flagged off in Abuja on Thursday to mark the 2026 World Environment Day (WED).
She explained that the programme is being implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and other partners under the theme “Urbanisation and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future.”
According to her, the trees will be planted across designated urban areas, schools, and communities to expand the Federal Capital Territory’s green cover and reduce the effects of climate change.
Idahosa noted that the initiative is expected to create natural cooling zones that help reduce rising urban temperatures.
She also highlighted the global theme for the 2026 World Environment Day, “Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for our Future,” describing it as a call for urgent climate action and nature-based solutions.
The WOFGOS administrator urged urban residents to adopt environmentally responsible practices, stressing that green spaces are essential for long-term human survival.
She commended students for actively participating in the climate action drive, describing their involvement as a positive step toward building sustainable communities.
The Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Mr Ronald Kayanja, warned of rising global temperatures and stressed the need for immediate climate action.
He said the tree-planting campaign would help reduce the impact of climate change and called on developed nations to honour their climate-finance commitments to developing countries.
According to him, fulfilling such commitments would strengthen vulnerable economies and protect livelihoods affected by climate change.
Kayanja cautioned that the world is edging closer to a temporary breach of the 1.5-degree Celsius global warming threshold, warning that this could worsen food insecurity and displacement.
He emphasised that local initiatives such as urban afforestation remain critical in addressing environmental challenges while global support is being mobilised.
The Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Mr Joe Ukairo, also stressed the importance of community participation in strengthening urban resilience to climate change.
He said safeguarding the future of children requires active involvement in environmental protection efforts at the local level.
The event featured the planting of the first tree at the WOFGOS premises by Mrs Kachalla Fatima, President of the Association of Flowers, Nursery and Landscaping Practitioners of Abuja.
A “Friends of the Environment” club was also inaugurated, alongside awards for the cleanest classroom, winners of an environmental essay competition, and a materials recovery contest.