The World of Faith Group of Schools (WOFGOS), a Christian-based institution, has begun the planting of 4,000 exotic trees in Abuja, towards building climate-resilient urban communities.
The Administrator-General of WOFGOS, Mrs. Daisy Idahosa, said in an Abuja, that the initiative was part of events to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day (WED).
Mrs. Daisy Idahosa said that the initiative would be implemented in partnership with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and other stakeholders with the theme: “Urbanisation and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future.”
She said that the trees would be planted in designated urban spaces, schools and communities, to boost the Federal Capital Territory’s green canopy and combat the devastating effects of climate change.
“This will create natural cooling zones against rising city temperatures.”
She said that the 2026 WED theme, “Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for our Future,” was to advocate urgent climate action and nature-based resolutions.
She called on the urban communities to take proactive steps toward environmental conservation, describing green spaces as “crucial” for human survival.
Mrs. Daisy Idahosa commended school children for spearheading the school-led climate action, indicating their commitment toward building climate-resilient communities.
The Director, UNIC Centre, Mr. Ronald Kayanja, lamented the escalating global temperatures, saying: “now is the time to act.”
Ronald Kayanja, who said that the tree planting campaign would significantly mitigate the impact of climate change, called on developed nations to fulfill their climate-finance promises to developing countries.
This, he said, would help in protecting livelihoods and strengthening vulnerable economies.
He warned that the world faces a temporary overshoot of the 1.5-degree Celsius global threshold, which he said has continued to destroy homes and deepen hunger.
“Local actions, such as urban afforestation are important to protecting vulnerable economies while developed nations fulfill their climate finance promises.”
The Chairman, Parent-Teacher Association in the school, Joe Ukairo emphasised communities’ role in building urban resilience to climate change.
According to him, securing the future of the younger generation requires active participation in local climate solutions.
The first tree was planted at the WOFGOS premises by Mrs. Kachalla Fatima, President, Association of Flowers, Nursery and Landscaping Practitioners of Abuja.
A School Friends of the Environment Club was also inaugurated at the event while awards were presented to the cleanest classroom in the school, winners of the essay writing competition on environment and materials recovery competition.
