The UBA Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability with a tree-planting exercise at King’s College, Lagos, and CMS Grammar School, Bariga, as part of activities marking World Environment Day 2026.
The initiative, organised by the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, signals the commencement of the Foundation’s 2026 Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative.
The programme is being implemented in selected schools across Nigeria to promote environmental consciousness among young people and encourage climate-positive actions.
World Environment Day is observed annually on June 5 and is coordinated by the United Nations. The 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” highlights the need for collective efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation.
Speaking during the exercise at CMS Grammar School, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, described the initiative as an investment in the future.
“We want young people to understand that the environment needs our collective support and protection. Through initiatives like this, we are encouraging the next generation to embrace sustainable practices that will help create healthier communities and a better future for all,” she said.
The Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative is now in its fourth year. It is designed to instill environmental responsibility in students by integrating sustainability practices into school communities and empowering young people to become advocates for environmental protection.
Atta explained that the selection of King’s College and CMS Grammar School was intentional because of their historical significance and capacity to sustain the initiative.
“These are iconic institutions with deep historical significance. CMS Grammar School is Nigeria’s oldest secondary school, while King’s College has been shaping leaders for more than a century. We wanted schools where these trees will be nurtured and allowed to flourish for generations to come,” she stated.
According to her, the programme comes at a time when rapid urbanisation continues to reduce green spaces across many Nigerian cities, making environmental restoration increasingly important.
“Over the years, development has often taken precedence over environmental preservation, leading to the loss of many trees and green areas. However, there is no better time than now to begin restoring our environment and making a lasting impact,” Atta added.
The initiative forms part of UBA Group’s broader commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Chief Risk Officer, Awele Ajibola, emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship in tackling climate-related challenges.
“At UBA, initiatives like this demonstrate our commitment to the environment and the communities we serve. Climate change presents real and growing risks, and as a responsible financial institution, we recognise our role in driving positive environmental action and sustainable development,” Ajibola said.
The tree-planting exercise is one of several activities organised by the bank to commemorate World Environment Day 2026.
Other activities include UBA’s inauguration as a member of the Finance Taskforce for Plastic Action in Nigeria, Green Talk sessions with customers across branches, the launch of Sustainability Clubs in participating schools, environmental awareness campaigns across the bank’s communication platforms, and a month-long Green Challenge aimed at promoting environmentally responsible behaviour.
The initiative received praise from school administrators who highlighted its educational value.
The Principal of CMS Grammar School, Revd. Jacob Ayokunle Ogunyinka, said the programme reinforces lessons on environmental conservation taught in classrooms.
“Our students learn about the importance of trees and environmental conservation in the classroom. Seeing these principles demonstrated in practice deepens their understanding and inspires greater responsibility towards protecting the environment,” he said.
Similarly, the Principal of King’s College, Magaji Zachariah, expressed appreciation to the UBA Foundation for selecting the institution as one of the beneficiaries of the programme and for supporting environmental education.
Beyond planting trees, the Foundation engaged students in discussions on environmental stewardship, encouraging practices such as proper waste disposal, water conservation, recycling, and energy efficiency.
Quoting Nobel Laureate and renowned environmentalist Wangari Maathai, Atta urged participants to take immediate action in protecting the environment.
“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now,” she said.
UBA Foundation remains committed to promoting socio-economic development across Africa through strategic interventions in education, environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and special projects.
