By Oscar Chukwugekwu
In commemoration of the 2026 World Environment Day, Green Mobilisation Initiative (GMI), a non-governmental organisation, carried out a tree planting exercise in Government Secondary School (GSS), Bwari, and Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Dutse-Alhaji, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The exercise was aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, climate action, biodiversity conservation, and environmental education among young people.
A total of 155 seedlings were donated and planted during the exercise. The seedlings comprised 60 Tectona grandis (Teak), 40 Anacardium occidentale (Cashew), 30 Polyalthia longifolia (Masquerade trees), 20 Gmelina arborea, and 5 Carica papaya (Pawpaw) seedlings.
The event witnessed participation by students, teachers, and school Principals from both schools. Also present were Mr. Gabriel Aborele, Founder and Global Lead of Green Mobilisation Initiative (GMI); Mr. Baba Adamu, a retired former Director of Co-Curricular at the FCT Secondary Education Board; and the representative of the FCT Secondary Education Board (FCT-SEB), represented by Miss. Lucy Ebito.
Speaking during the exercise, Mr. Aborele emphasised the critical role of trees in combating climate change, restoring degraded landscapes, enhancing biodiversity, and building resilient communities. He encouraged students to become environmental ambassadors by nurturing the planted trees and promoting sustainable environmental practices within their schools and communities.
The Principals of Government Secondary School, Bwari, and Government Day Secondary School, Dutse-Alhaji, expressed appreciation to Green Mobilisation Initiative for the intervention and commended the organisation for engaging students and teachers in a practical environmental conservation exercise. They noted that the initiative would contribute significantly to creating greener school environments while instilling environmental consciousness among the students.
GMI stated that it would continue to engage schools, communities, government institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders in promoting tree planting, environmental education, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development initiatives across Nigeria.