WED 2024: Foundation plant 70 trees in FGC, Enugu

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation has planted no fewer than 70 economic trees in Federal Government College, Enugu as part of effort to recede erosion and restore lands in the region.

The tree planting exercise by the Foundation is also to commemorate the World Environment Day (WED) 2024, themed “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience” as well as to complement the Federal Government Green Initiative for the country.

Managing Director, NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe while sensitising students of FGC before the tree planting started, said that the world is going green and reducing carbon-dioxide and carbon-monoxide to recreate a healthier world.

Arukwe, represented by Mr. Pius Ebigbagha, challenged the students to take ownership of their environment by doing things that would protect it and make it sustainable and resilient.

“One positive way one can go green is by planting trees, which is what we are doing in the school today as we planned to plant over 70 economic and land degradation mitigating trees.

“These trees will also supply us food, shelter, check erosion in the school’s environment as well as act as wind-storm breakers.

“Your responsibility, as growing adults, is to take care of any environment you find yourselves; as we are entrusting the trees we plant today to your care and protection,” she said.

The managing director said that the foundation was embarking on catching-them-young to ensure that its mandate and vision on sustainable environment transcend generations.

Arukwe lauded the management, staff and students of the school on their avowed commitment to ensure the survival of the trees and also do more to improve the green vegetation in the school.

Earlier, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Grace Takerhi lauded the Foundation for choosing FGC Enugu as its host for the WED Day and planting over 70 economic and special purpose trees.

Takerhi, represented by the Vice-Principal of the school, Mrs. Nora Ugwu, commended the NNPC Foundation for tackling and checking environmental issues ravaging parts of the country.

“The desert encroachment in the country is alarming and should be checked to avoid endangering the ecological system of our environment,” she said.

One of the participants, Master Ebong Ndifreke said that he would enlighten his peers and classmates to join in protecting the environment and ensuring that the school environment remains green.

Ndifreke who is a member of FGC Environmental Club, also advocated for the tree planting campaign to be extended to homes, communities and other public/civic places in order to inculcate the habit of keeping the environment green always.

Highlights of the event held on 5th June of every year were tree planting, display by FGC Dance Group and a playlet by FGC Drama Club.