As part of activities marking World Environment Day 2026, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), with support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), has intensified efforts to promote climate literacy and environmental stewardship among students through a large-scale tree planting and environmental education campaign across Lagos State.

In partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON), the initiative reinforced the importance of climate action, environmental sustainability, and responsible waste management among young people.

The campaign builds on the Grow Green Initiative, a collaborative programme launched by VCDF, SEEPCO, and the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to encourage tree planting and environmental responsibility in public schools. To date, 5,500 tree saplings have been planted across 153 schools as part of an ambitious 10,000-tree planting drive spanning the state’s six educational districts.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, VCDF noted that WED serves as a reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present-day challenge requiring collective action. According to the foundation, empowering young people with climate knowledge and practical environmental skills is critical to building resilient communities and ensuring a sustainable future.

As part of the 2026 commemoration, school-based activities held, engaged 202 students from Eva Adelaja Girls Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Bariga, and Government Model Junior and Senior Colleges, Owutu, Ikorodu. The programme also involved 20 teachers, 58 SEEPCO employee volunteers, and community leaders, culminating in the planting of 336 tree saplings across the two schools.

Participants received practical training on waste segregation, learning to separate waste into six categories—biodegradable, recyclable, hazardous, sanitary, electronic, and residual waste—to promote cleaner school environments and healthier communities.

Students were also introduced to composting techniques, with demonstrations on how organic waste such as food scraps and leaves can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost for improved soil fertility and plant growth.

Organisers encouraged the students to become environmental ambassadors by promoting sustainable practices within their schools, homes, and communities.

Community stakeholders commended the initiative for its contribution to environmental sustainability and public health.
An Ikorodu community leader, Samuel Eruwa, described the programme as a timely intervention.

For many of the students, the exercise inspired a personal commitment to environmental conservation.

A senior student, Ayomide Modat, said: “From tomorrow, I will water my tree every morning and evening. I will also share what I’ve learned with my family and juniors. Even after I graduate, I will continue to encourage others to plant trees.”

VCDF said the initiative reflects its commitment to leveraging SEEPCO’s corporate social responsibility investments to strengthen climate literacy, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development through strategic partnerships with government institutions, schools, environmental organisations, and local communities.

The foundation added that as Lagos continues to expand, programmes that encourage tree planting, environmental education, and responsible waste management remain essential to creating cleaner air, healthier schools, cooler urban spaces, and more resilient communities for future generations.