The One Million Tree Initiative (OMTI) has announced the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, and Port-Harcourt as the venue for its next tree planting exercise, scheduled to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day.
The environmental advocacy group said the initiative is part of its ongoing campaign to promote climate action, increase urban green cover, and raise awareness about environmental sustainability among young Nigerians.
The project is being supported by Nestle Nigeria, CE-Power Solutions Limited, Power Gas Nigeria, GSR 360, SMP Group, all of whom OMTI says share its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development.
Speaking on the upcoming activity, OMTI Co-founder, Josfyn Uba, said the organisation has remained consistent in its mission since its inception in 2020.
“Since we began the One Million Tree Initiative in 2020, our focus has been clear: to build a culture of environmental responsibility through consistent action,” Uba said. “Tree planting is not just symbolic for us, it is a practical response to the climate challenges we face, especially in rapidly urbanising cities like Lagos.”
Uba explained that the choice of NIJ was deliberate, noting the importance of engaging future media professionals in environmental advocacy.
“We are particularly excited about bringing this edition to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism,” she said. “Journalists play a critical role in shaping public understanding. If we can get young communicators to see sustainability as a priority, then the message spreads faster and further.”
She added that this year’s exercise would include tree planting, environmental education sessions, and stakeholder engagement aimed at encouraging institutions to adopt greener practices.
World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, is a United Nations-led global platform for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of the environment.
Uba expressed hope that the NIJ project will serve as a model for similar interventions in schools, public institutions, and urban communities across Lagos and beyond, as it continues its broader goal of planting one million trees over time.
