As World Environment Day (WED) 2025 approaches, the One Million Tree Initiative (OMTI), a non-governmental organization focused on tree planting, has announced plans to expand its urban greening campaign into more communities in Lagos State and Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This initiative aims to combat deforestation, improve air quality, and promote environmental stewardship in two of Nigeria’s most densely populated cities.
WED is an annual event endorsed by the United Nations, celebrated every June 5th to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment. This year’s theme, ‘Beat Plastic Pollution,’ highlights the urgent need to address plastic pollution, a significant global environmental challenge.
Washington Uba, the founder of OMTI, stated that he and his partners are committed to making a greater impact this year by simultaneously conducting tree planting activities in three communities—two in Lagos and one in the heart of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. “Our goal has always been to raise awareness of environmental protection through workshops, campaigns, and annual tree planting projects. This year, we want to scale up our efforts to reach more urban communities,” he said.
In Lagos, the tree planting activities will take place at Gateway Zone CDA and Oremeji Zone, both located within Magodo GRA Phase 1, Isheri. The event in Port Harcourt will occur at Queens Park Estate, Rumuosunwo.
Mr. Uba also indicated that OMTI will diversify the types of trees being planted this year. “We are making a significant shift from the usual tree planting program. This year, we will plant cash crops such as cocoa, along with other edible fruits like oranges and tangerines. This initiative aims to promote economic sustainability and revive the traditional practice of planting crops in residential areas.”
“Our mission is to plant for sustainability’s sake, and this year, we are taking it a step further. We aim to enhance green spaces, mitigate climate change, and improve air quality in urban communities. We believe this initiative will contribute not only to the health of the environment but also inspire community members to take action toward a more sustainable future.
Award winning journalist and poet, Evelyn Osagie will add zest to Lagos event with a poem on environment.
Advocacy sessions will also be held in both cities to amplify our message,” he added.
Josfyn Uba, OMTI’s co-founder, emphasized the organization’s goal of engaging local communities in sustainable practices that restore degraded lands while fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
She noted that this year’s theme underscores the urgency of halting biodiversity loss, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, combating air pollution, and addressing plastic waste while restoring our environment.
“OMTI started with the goal of promoting environmental responsibility among Nigerians, and it has evolved into a symbol of hope and resilience. We remind everyone that protecting the environment begins with individual actions—planting one tree at a time across Nigeria’s urban landscapes,” she said. “This year, together with our partners—SMP Media Group, CE-Power Solutions, and Extel Table Water—we are set to expand our tree planting projects. We believe that every tree we plant is a step towards a greener future. We are not just planting trees; we are planting hopes and dreams for future generations.”
