The UBA Foundation, the charitable arm of United Bank for Africa, marked World Environment Day 2026 by planting trees at two of Lagos’ most historic schools: King’s College and CMS Grammar School in Bariga. The exercise kicks off the Foundation’s 2026 Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative, which targets schools across Nigeria to build environmental awareness among students.
World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5 and coordinated by the United Nations, serves as a global platform for environmental advocacy. This year’s theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” calls for urgent action on climate change and environmental damage.
During the event at CMS Grammar School, Bola Atta, Managing Director and CEO of the UBA Foundation, described the tree planting as a strategic investment. “We want young people to understand that the environment needs our collective support and protection,” she said. “We are encouraging the next generation to adopt sustainable practices that will help create healthier communities and a better future for all.”
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A deliberate choice of historic schools
Now in its fourth year, the Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative aims to embed environmental responsibility in students by integrating sustainable practices into school life. Atta said the selection of King’s College and CMS Grammar School was intentional. CMS Grammar School is Nigeria’s oldest secondary school, and King’s College has been educating leaders for more than a century.
“These are iconic institutions with deep historical significance,” she noted. “We wanted schools where these trees will be nurtured and allowed to flourish for generations to come.”
The initiative comes as rapid urbanisation continues to shrink green spaces in Nigerian cities. Atta pointed out that development has often pushed environmental preservation aside, leading to the loss of many trees. “There is no better time than now to begin restoring our environment,” she said.
Some environmental observers note that survival rates for urban tree-planting projects can vary, and ongoing maintenance is critical. The Foundation’s choice of established schools with caretaker staff may improve the odds, but long-term care will still be needed.
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Beyond the saplings: other green activities
The tree-planting is part of UBA Group’s broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments.
Speaking at the event, the group’s Chief Risk Officer, Awele Ajibola, stressed the importance of proactive environmental stewardship. “Climate change presents real and growing risks, and as a responsible financial institution, we recognise our role in driving positive environmental action,” Ajibola said.
Other activities for #WED2026 include UBA’s membership in the Finance Taskforce for Plastic Action in Nigeria, Green Talk sessions with bank customers, the launch of Sustainability Clubs in participating schools, environmental campaigns on UBA’s communication platforms, and a month-long Green Challenge to promote eco-friendly behavior.
The principals of both schools welcomed the initiative.
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Revd. Jacob Ayokunle Ogunyinka, Principal of CMS Grammar School, called it a practical extension of classroom learning. “Students learn about trees and conservation in class,” he said. “Seeing these principles in practice deepens their understanding.” Magaji Zachariah, Principal of King’s College, thanked the Foundation for investing in environmental education.
Beyond planting, the Foundation also engaged students in discussions about waste disposal, water conservation, recycling, and energy efficiency. She referenced the words of Nobel laureate and environmentalist Wangari Maathai: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now.”
It focuses on education, environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and special projects across Africa. This year’s tree planting at two of Lagos’ most storied schools aims to make the lesson stick—not just in textbooks, but in the soil.