The Enugu State Government, in partnership with Dosty Art Foundation and development partners, has launched the planting of 400 economic trees across 20 secondary schools to promote environmental sustainability, climate awareness and practical environmental education among students.
The Enugu State Government has commenced the planting of 400 economic trees across 20 secondary schools as part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day celebration.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Dosty Art Foundation, was flagged off on Friday at Queen’s School, with organisers describing it as a strategic effort to promote environmental sustainability, climate awareness and ecological responsibility among young people.
Speaking during the exercise, Mrs. Oge Nwonye, a member of the team to the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on Climate Change, said 20 seedlings would be planted in each of the selected schools.
According to her, the project is designed to encourage environmental stewardship while exposing students to the long-term social, economic and ecological benefits of tree planting.
Nwonye explained that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the 2026 World Environment Day theme, which emphasises nature conservation and sustainable environmental practices for future generations.
“We are planting economic trees within school premises because we know the immense benefits of trees. They provide oxygen, shade and create a conducive learning environment for students,” she said.
She noted that beyond environmental benefits, the fruit-bearing trees would also provide economic value while serving as practical learning tools for students.
The seedlings distributed include guava, udara (African star apple), soursop and other shade-providing tree species, alongside ornamental flowers intended to improve the aesthetic appeal of school environments.
Nwonye disclosed that the project was expanded through collaboration involving the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Climate Change, the Office of the Wife of the Governor and UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office.
As part of the programme, environmental clubs will also be established in participating schools to encourage students to become active advocates for environmental protection and sustainability.
She explained that the clubs would provide practical training on recycling, waste management and environmental conservation, helping students transform waste materials into valuable products.
Through partnerships with organisations such as Dosty Art Foundation, students will learn how to convert plastic bottles and other discarded materials into furniture, artworks, jewellery and other marketable products.
Nwonye called on residents to adopt environmentally responsible practices and warned against indiscriminate tree felling and illegal logging, which she identified as major threats to environmental sustainability.
She stressed the critical role trees play in maintaining ecological balance through oxygen production, carbon absorption and climate regulation.
Also speaking, the founder of Dosty Art Foundation, Mr. Chidi Igbokwe, said the organisation remains committed to promoting creativity and environmental sustainability through waste-to-art initiatives.
According to him, the foundation has been working with the Enugu State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to educate students and communities on creative recycling and responsible waste management.
“We want children to see waste as a resource for creativity, productivity and positive environmental impact,” Igbokwe said, adding that students are being trained to transform plastics, cartons, fabric remnants and other waste materials into decorative and functional products.
In her remarks, the Principal of Queen’s School, Mrs. Felicia Onyeazor, revealed that the school had already established a Climate Change Club to encourage environmental responsibility among students.
She commended the Enugu State Government and its partners for selecting the school for the project, describing the initiative as a valuable contribution to environmental education and sustainable development.
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