The Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate education with the launch of a 250-tree planting initiative across selected schools in the state as part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day.
The initiative, tagged “Kick for the Planet,” was organised by the Triple Green Environmental Development Foundation through its Greener Minds Club and featured a youth charity football match between Florence Court International School and Foncop Academy in Ado-Ekiti.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, said education remains a critical tool for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
Aderiye, who was represented by the Project Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Mrs Yewande Adesua, said the Biodun Oyebanji administration was committed to raising environmentally responsible students through quality education and practical learning initiatives.
She noted that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” aligns with the state’s vision of human capital development under the Shared Prosperity Agenda.
According to her, schools must go beyond academic instruction to equip learners with the skills, values and attitudes required to tackle emerging global challenges.
The commissioner highlighted the role of AGILE Eco Clubs and the Waste-to-Wealth Initiative in promoting environmental consciousness among students, adding that the programme exposes learners to recycling, environmental sanitation and green entrepreneurship.
She described the 250-tree planting project as a practical step towards climate action and urged students to become ambassadors of environmental protection in their schools and communities.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Forestry Commission said the challenges posed by climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation require urgent and collective action from all stakeholders, particularly young people.
He described the tree-planting initiative as a significant step towards fostering environmental stewardship among students, noting that the trees would contribute to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, improved air quality and soil erosion control.
According to him, the initiative would also provide practical learning opportunities for students while encouraging sustainable environmental practices.
Earlier, the Founder of TGED Foundation, Ms Oluwaseyi Ebenezer, said the programme was designed to promote youth leadership, environmental responsibility and community action.
She explained that the Greener Minds Club was established to nurture environmental awareness, climate education and practical environmental action among students through tree planting, advocacy and sustainability projects.
Ebenezer said the club, which began at Florence Court International School in 2024, had continued to expand, with Foncop Academy joining the initiative.
She appreciated the support of the Ekiti State Ministry of Environment, the Ekiti State Forestry Commission, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, the Global Alliance for Development Foundation, school authorities and other stakeholders for supporting the programme.
She added that the 250 trees would be planted across selected schools to create greener, healthier and more sustainable learning environments.
The football match, which formed part of activities commemorating the World Environment Day, saw host school, Florence Court International School, defeat Foncop Academy 3-1 in an entertaining encounter watched by students, teachers and environmental stakeholders.
Participants at the event called for increased climate awareness, environmental education and greater youth participation in efforts aimed at protecting the environment and securing a sustainable future.