As part of activities to mark the 2026 World Environment Day, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of UBA Group, has taken its commitment to environmental sustainability into the classrooms by planting trees at two of Lagos’ most historic and iconic secondary schools.

The exercise, conducted at King’s College, Lagos, and CMS Grammar School, Bariga, marks the commencement of the Foundation’s 2026 Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative across Nigeria.

Managing Director/CEO, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, who spoke during the exercise at CMS Grammar School, described the initiative as a deliberate investment in future generations.

“We want young people to understand that the environment needs help. We want to produce fewer toxins and build more things that will give us oxygen for life,” Atta said.

“The Foundation selected King’s College and CMS Grammar School for their historical significance and institutional capacity to sustain the initiative over the long term. CMS Grammar School, founded in 1859, is Nigeria’s oldest secondary school. King’s College, established in 1909, carries over a century of educational heritage.

“These are notable institutions. One is over 100 years old, and the other is Nigeria’s first missionary school. We also wanted schools where we know the trees will be maintained and allowed to grow,” Atta added.

The Principal of CMS Grammar School, Revd. Jacob Ayokunle Ogunyinka, commended the Foundation for the exercise and described it as a practical reinforcement of what students already encounter in the classroom.

Also, Director and Principal, King’s College, Magaji Zachariah, expressed deep appreciation to the UBA Foundation for selecting the school as one of the beneficiaries of the initiative.