On June 5, every year, the world takes a moment to reflect on the state of the planet and what needs to be done to save it. This year, the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, did not only reflect. And it did.
To mark World Environment Day 2026, the institution participated in a tree planting and environmental awareness program on the institution’s campus and joined the world in calling for urgent climate action and sustainable living. The theme was “Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for Our Future.” It was a statement of intent, not a ceremony.
The turnout alone said it all. Management, staff, students, environmental advocates, Ecozone, and representatives of partner organizations, including CE Power, Power Solution, Power Gas, Nestlé, and SMP, gathered at the NIJ campus to share a sense of purpose. A growing consensus among academics, students, and corporate partners is that it is not the responsibility of a few but of everyone to protect the environment.
The program was hosted by Mr. Ugo Ogoketi, who set a warm and engaging tone from the outset, recognizing dignitaries including the deputy provost, Dr. Adeboye Ola; the registrar, Mrs. Patricia Kalesanwo; environmental advocate Mr. Anthony Oligbo; Mr. Kingsley Ememonu; and members of Ecozone. To set a tone of national responsibility, the Nigerian national anthem was played at the beginning of the event.
The Registrar, Mrs. Patricia Kalesanwo, called it a big event. She said the event was very important for society and added that tree planting and such efforts were very important to keep the environment clean and healthy for the coming generations. Her words tell us that we speak of an institution that knows that its role is not only to train journalists but also to form citizens who are aware of the world around them.
Deputy Provost Dr. Adeboye Ola had a simple but powerful message to deliver. He added a personal touch to his speech by sharing his personal experience with nature. “Planting trees in our environment is very important; it gives a natural air and protects our environment,” he said. He also revealed the institution’s plan to plant economic and fruit trees, including mango trees, on the institution’s premises, a practical step to take the benefits of the day’s activities far into the future.
The discourse was further strengthened by Mr. Anthony Oligbo, a member of Ecozone and a lecturer on environmental reporting, who also championed the cause of economic trees in particular. “Planting of trees is very good for nature, especially economic trees like plantain, tangerine, and orange,” he said. He had a strong case. Trees are good for the environment, but they are also good for families, good livelihoods, and communities.
The highlight of the day was the planting of 17 trees by management, staff, students, and representatives from our partners. No tree had been a sapling stuck in the ground, but a sign of dedication. Several of them were dedicated and named after individuals and groups, including Mrs. Patricia Kalesanwo, Mr. Anthony Oligbo, Mr. Gbemile, Power Gas, Ifeoma, CE Charles/Power, George, Chidinma, Mr. Rafael, Dr. Adeboye Ola, and the NIJ student body, so that the memory of the day would linger long after the event was over.
As the program concluded, participants vowed to be ambassadors for conservation and to help build a greener tomorrow. It was a fitting climax to a day that had been as much about inspiration as it had been about action.
NIJ’s choice to mark World Environment Day in this manner is a strong signal to other institutions environmental responsibility must be lived, not lectured. For a country struggling with deforestation, pollution, and the destructive impacts of climate change, events like this serve as a reminder that change is possible—and it starts with one tree.
Those 17 trees planted on the NIJ campus may seem like small potatoes in the grand scheme of things. But as every environmentalist will tell you, every forest starts with a single seed.
By Saliu Mariam Temilade
Oladele Taiwo
Tolulope Ogunribido
Yusuf Markcos Joshua
