UBA Foundation Plants Trees in King’s College, CMS Grammar School to Mark World Environment Day

Ololade Adeyanju/

The UBA Foundation has launched its 2026 Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative with a tree-planting exercise at two of Lagos’ most historic educational institutions, King’s College Lagos and CMS Grammar School, as part of activities marking World Environment Day 2026.

The initiative, which took place on June 5, is aimed at promoting environmental consciousness among students and encouraging climate-positive action in schools across Nigeria.

Speaking during the exercise at CMS Grammar School, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, described the programme as a strategic investment in the future.

She said the Foundation was committed to helping young people understand the importance of environmental protection and sustainability.

“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,” Atta said.

Observed annually on June 5 under the coordination of the United Nations, World Environment Day is regarded as the world’s largest platform for environmental awareness and advocacy. The 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” highlights the urgency of collective action against climate change and environmental degradation.

Now in its fourth year, the Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative seeks to instil environmental responsibility in students by integrating sustainability practices into school communities and empowering young people to become environmental ambassadors.

From Left: Group Chief Risk Officer, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Awele Ajibola; Managing Director/CEO, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta; Director and Principal, King’s College, Magaji Zachariah, and King’s College Teacher, Bello AA., flanked by students and staff members of King’s College, Lagos Island, during the UBA Foundation Tree Planting Exercise held at the school in commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, at the weekend.

Atta explained that the selection of King’s College and CMS Grammar School was deliberate because of their rich history 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 said.

She noted that rapid urbanisation had contributed significantly to the loss of green spaces across many Nigerian cities, making environmental restoration more urgent than ever.

“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,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, UBA Group’s Chief Risk Officer, Awele Ajibola, said the initiative reflected the bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship.

“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 stated.

The tree-planting programme forms part of a broader package of activities organised by the UBA Group to commemorate World Environment Day 2026. Other activities include the bank’s inauguration as a member of the Finance Taskforce for Plastic Action in Nigeria, Green Talk sessions with customers, the establishment of Sustainability Clubs in participating schools, environmental awareness campaigns, and a month-long Green Challenge aimed at encouraging environmentally responsible behaviour.

The Principal of CMS Grammar School, Jacob Ayokunle Ogunyinka, praised the initiative, describing it as a practical extension of classroom learning.

“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.

Beyond planting trees, Foundation officials engaged students in discussions on environmental stewardship, highlighting responsible practices such as proper waste disposal, recycling, water conservation and energy efficiency.

Quoting renowned Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, Atta urged participants to take immediate action toward protecting the environment.

“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now,” she said.

The UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the UBA Group, supports socio-economic development across Africa through initiatives focused on education, environmental sustainability, economic empowerment and special projects.