As part of its ambitious environmental campaign, UNICEF has announced a plan to plant 100,000 trees across Nigeria by 2025, an effort aimed at combating climate change, reducing plastic pollution, and empowering young people with green skills.
The announcement was made in a speech presented by Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office, while marking the World Environment Day.
He said, “The goal to plant 100,000 trees is not just about numbers, it’s about building a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Nigeria for our children. Each tree planted is a step toward climate resilience and a cleaner environment.”
The tree-planting initiative is a key component of Green Rising, UNICEF’s global movement to promote youth-led climate action.
In Nigeria, the initiative also aims to recycle 100,000 kilograms of plastic waste and mobilise 100,000 youth for environmental action by 2025.
Farah noted that trees play a critical role in reversing the effects of climate change, improving air quality, conserving water, and protecting biodiversity.
“Trees are natural carbon sinks. They clean the air, cool our cities, and provide essential habitats for wildlife,” he added.
Importantly, the initiative also focuses on youth engagement and skills development. By involving young Nigerians in environmental activities such as tree planting and waste recycling, UNICEF hopes to cultivate a new generation of climate-conscious leaders.
“This is more than a campaign, it’s a movement that inspires climate-smart entrepreneurship, especially among young women,” Farah said. “We’re planting not just trees, but also seeds of environmental leadership in our youth.”
The event in Kano saw active participation from school children, community groups, and government officials, all united by a shared goal: to build a cleaner, greener Nigeria.
