By Ene Oshaba
Abuja
The Centre for Journalism and Innovative Development (CJID), in partnership with the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), marked the 2025 International Day of Forests with an outreach, involving tree planting at two secondary schools in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The one-day event held at Government Day Secondary School and School for the Gifted, was commemorated with this year’s theme “Forests and Food,” which emphasizes the critical role forests play in both climate mitigation and food security.
Coordinator of the climate change project at CJID, Nicholas Adeniyi, highlighted the significance of the day and the role of trees in combating climate change. He explained that trees are essential for carbon sequestration, which helps mitigate the effects of global warming.
According to him, “Climate change is an existential threat to us all, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where Nigeria has been severely impacted by flooding and natural disasters”.
He further emphasized the long-term benefits of planting trees, noting that while trees take time to grow, their positive environmental impact endures for generations. “It’s important that we instill in the younger generation an appreciation for the role of trees. By planting trees today, they are contributing to the preservation of our environment for tomorrow,” he said.
Adeniyi also mentioned the ongoing efforts to establish eco-clubs in schools across Nigeria, noting that CJID and GIFSEP have planted over 100 trees in schools over the past five years, with a 90% survival rate. This initiative aims to ensure sustainable advocacy for climate action through student-led initiatives and the continued planting of trees in both schools and communities.
Similarly, Dorcas Nicanor, representing GIFSEP, emphasized the importance of forests in securing both food and climate resilience.
“Today, we are teaching the students about how to plant trees and take care of them, as these actions play a pivotal role in securing our future,” Nicanor said. “We believe that this outreach will instill in them the values of sustainability and environmental stewardship.”
Earlier, the Principal of the School for the Gifted, Bello Adamu Audu, expressed his full support for the initiative, noting the school’s commitment to afforestation. “We have mango trees, umbrella trees, and many other valuable plants in our school, which serve as natural air conditioners. Trees are vital to our ecosystem,” he said. “Our school will continue to collaborate with organizations like GIFSEP to ensure we plant and nurture more trees to sustain our environment.”
Also, the Principal Govt. Day Secondary School Gwagwalada, Alh. Bello Sulaiman Ajekunle, echoed similar sentiments, stating that his school has been involved in tree planting campaigns for years and would continue to support such initiatives.
“Trees are the backbone of our ecosystem. We must encourage our students to understand the importance of preserving nature for the future of our communities and the nation,” he stated.
He added that the school’s Environmental Eco Club plays a critical role in promoting sustainability and would be involved in monitoring the newly planted trees to ensure they thrive. “We will take personal responsibility for the trees we plant, nurturing them as if they are our own,” he said.
Both principals agreed that tree planting and environmental sustainability should be prioritized in all schools and communities. They urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for the environment, stressing that the indiscriminate cutting down of trees leads to severe consequences such as soil depletion, loss of biodiversity, and worsening climate change effects.
Audu pointed out the severe impact of deforestation on food security, noting the declining availability of fruits like mangoes and cashews due to the destruction of forests. “We must stop the destructive practices of deforestation and focus on afforestation to secure our future,” he concluded.
The students and staff participated in planting trees as part of the broader campaign to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of forests in the fight against global warming.
The event underscored the importance of continued awareness and action to combat the adverse effects of climate change, with a shared commitment to a greener and more sustainable future for Nigeria and the world.
