Sterling One Foundation, Others Launch 1M Trees Initiative
Nume Ekeghe
Sterling One Foundation, in partnership with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Sterling Bank, and Fifth Chukker Resort, has launched the One Million Trees Planting Initiative in Kaduna as part of efforts to tackle climate change, restore degraded ecosystems, and strengthen community livelihoods across Nigeria.
The initiative, unveiled to mark World Environment Day, is designed as a large-scale reforestation and landscape restoration programme aimed at addressing deforestation, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and other environmental challenges.
With a target of planting one million trees over the coming years, the programme is expected to become one of the country’s largest collaborative tree-planting efforts, while also creating economic opportunities for local communities, particularly women, who will be actively involved in planting, nurturing, and maintaining the trees.
Speaking at the launch, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, Samaila Zubairu, said the project reflects the importance of partnerships in addressing climate challenges.
He said, “Climate resilience requires bold action and strong partnerships. The One Million Trees Initiative demonstrates how collaborative efforts can deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes. AFC is proud to lead an initiative that advances ecosystem restoration, carbon capture, and community development while contributing to Africa’s broader sustainability ambitions.”
Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, said the initiative goes beyond tree planting to support long-term environmental and social development.
“The One Million Trees Initiative is more than a tree-planting campaign; it is a commitment to restoring our environment and investing in the future of our communities. We recognize that climate action must be both inclusive and sustainable. By combining ecosystem restoration with community participation and economic empowerment, particularly for women, we are creating a model for long-term impact that will benefit generations to come,” she said