VCDF, Sterling oil drive climate literacy, plant 5,500 trees in Lagos schools
To mark World Environment Day 2026, the Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), with support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON) to promote climate literacy, environmental responsibility, and tree planting across Lagos schools.
Through the Grow Green Initiative, launched in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the partners are encouraging students to plant and nurture trees while building awareness of climate change and sustainable environmental practices.
So far, 5,500 tree saplings have been planted in 153 schools across the state’s six educational districts as part of a 10,000-tree planting campaign.
As part of the World Environment Day activities, school-based programmes held on June 27, 2026, focused on practical environmental education and behaviour change.
A total of 202 students from Eva Adelaja Girls Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Bariga, and Government Model Junior and Senior Colleges, Owutu, Ikorodu, participated alongside 20 teachers, 58 SEEPCO volunteers, and community leaders. During the exercise, 336 tree saplings were planted across the two schools.
Students received practical training on waste segregation, learning to separate waste into six categories: biodegradable, recyclable, hazardous, sanitary, electronic, and residual waste.
They were also introduced to composting techniques, demonstrating how organic waste can be converted into compost to improve soil quality and support plant growth.
The programme encouraged students to become environmental ambassadors by promoting sustainable practices in their schools, homes, and communities.
Speaking at the event, Ikorodu community leader Samuel Eruwa praised the initiative.
“This is laudable because it speaks to human wellbeing. When the environment is neglected, human life is affected. We appreciate VCDF and the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.”
One of the participating students, Ayomide Modat, pledged to continue caring for the tree planted during the exercise.
“From tomorrow, I will water my tree every morning and evening. I will also share what I’ve learned with my family and juniors. Even after I graduate, I will continue to encourage others to plant trees.”
A SEEPCO volunteer described the experience as deeply personal.
“I dedicated the tree I planted to my late parents, my sister, and my brother-in-law. Knowing these trees will continue to grow and give life makes me feel their memory lives on through them. It became more than planting a tree—it became a lasting tribute to the people I love and miss.”
VCDF said the initiative reflects its commitment to leveraging SEEPCO’s corporate social responsibility efforts to strengthen climate literacy, promote environmental stewardship, and support sustainable development through partnerships with government agencies, schools, environmental stakeholders, and communities across Nigeria.
The foundation noted that every tree planted, every student trained, and every waste item properly sorted contributes to cleaner communities, healthier schools, and a more sustainable future for Lagos.
