The Success Ehiremen Foundation, in collaboration with the Edo State Government, has officially kicked off its ambitious “Project One Million Fruit Trees” initiative aimed at tackling hunger, malnutrition, youth unemployment, and climate change across Nigeria.

The pilot phase of the programme began on June 27, 2025, in Benin City with a target to plant 10,000 fruit tree seedlings across Edo State. According to the Foundation, this includes 2,000 seedlings planted under the project’s core framework and another 8,000 through a community extension arm designed to empower residents to grow their own fruit-bearing trees.

“This is more than a tree-planting campaign,” said Success Ehimen Ehiremen, Founder of the Foundation. “We are planting solutions to hunger, malnutrition, joblessness, and climate change.”

The first phase of planting took place at Niger College, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, a public school with over 1,800 students. Students and staff participated in hands-on training and joined the planting exercise.

“I am very happy that this is happening in my time,” said Abumere Faith, an SS1A student who took part in the exercise. “It’s a legacy I’m fortunate to be part of, and I will play my part to ensure that these fruit trees survive and grow.”

From schools to hospitals, military barracks to religious centres, the Foundation plans to plant fruit trees across three local government areas — Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, and Egor — before expanding to other parts of Edo and beyond.

The initiative is being implemented with a long-term vision to provide nutrition, create jobs, and support environmental sustainability. A professional dietician has been added to the project team to guide fruit selection based on local nutritional needs.

Beyond planting, the foundation said it has committed to training 50,000 individuals on best practices in fruit tree cultivation and care. Additionally, a nationwide awareness campaign is underway, with the powerful message: “Plant a Fruit Tree—Feed 10 Lives.”

As plans progress to identify the next nine states for expansion, the Foundation is calling on donors, organizations, and governments to support the mission.

“With the overwhelming response we’ve received, we know this is just the beginning,” Ehiremen stated. “Together, we can nourish five million lives and build a greener, healthier Nigeria.”