A report on the Phase Three of Million Tree Project initiated by the Community Development Advocacy Foundation shows that the foundation’s tree planting initiative is taking roots at the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State and other communities in the Niger Delta region
By Edu Abade
In continuation of its climate resilience, mitigation and adaptation initiatives, the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) in collaboration with the African Center for Environmental and Rural Development (ACERD) and Neferok Development Initiative (NDI) unveiled A Million Tree Project on June 23, 2026 at the Federal Polytechnic Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The event, which brought together management staffs, lecturers, journalists and students in a collective commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action commenced at 11:30 am at the lecture hall with an opening speech by the Executive Director of CODAF, Mr. Richard Benin.
While welcoming participants to the event, he stressed the significance of the occasion as the official launch of phase three of the A Million Tree Project, noting that climate change crisis was no longer a distant concern, but a present reality, evident through changing weather patterns and environmental degradation.
He also commended the school management board for their willingness to partner in this initiative and for allocating an acre of land for this project which shows their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. He strongly advocated that the ownership of a tree be made a prerequisite for graduation.
Benin, who addressed the students and challenged them to see tree planting project as a personal responsibility, encouraged them to adopt and nurture a tree to contribute to a cleaner environment and a lasting legacy for the institution.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to embrace the project as a movement that would transform the campus into a greener and more environmentally conscious learning environment.
The programme proceeded with a welcome remark by the Rector, Prof. Duke Okoro, followed by goodwill messages from the Registrar, Mrs. Christine Aluyi, Executive Director of ACERD, Executive Director of Neferok Initiative and the Dean of Student Affairs.
A 10 minutes lecture titled, The Green Mandate: Trees as Nigeria’s Lifeline and Our Collective Responsibility, was delivered by Mr. Fred Nohwo just as the presentation focused on critical role trees play in sustaining life and combating environmental challenges. During the lecture, he highlighted the importance of tree planting, further drawing attention to Nigeria’s national target of planting 20 billion trees by 2030 and encouraged the institution to align itself with this environmental vision.
Nohwo pointed out that the land currently occupied by Federal Polytechnic Orogun was once covered by a thriving forest ecosystem, pointing out that while the institution’s development represents progress, there is also a need to restore part of what was lost through deliberate and sustained reforestation efforts.
He, therefore, charged the students to move beyond participating in a one-day exercise and instead adopt tree planting as a lifelong culture and responsibility.
A major highlight of the event was the official inauguration of the A Million Tree Club at the Federal Polytechnic Orogun by the Rector with an initial membership of 44 students who were charged with serving as environmental ambassadors within the institution.
To demonstrate his support and encourage the newly inaugurated club, the Rector pledged the sum of ₦150,000 towards the activities and growth of the club. The announcement was received by participants with so much enthusiasm.
Following the inauguration, participants proceeded to the tree planting exercise. The Rector led the exercise by planting a symbolic tree at the center of the institution. This was followed by the Registrar, the Dean of Students Affairs, the Executive Director of CODAF, and four other members of the management board who planted tree seedlings in support of the initiative.
After the ceremonial planting, the remaining seedlings was handed over to the A Million Tree Club to ensure continuous planting, monitoring and maintenance across the campus.
According to Benin, the flag-off of the Phase Three of the A Million Tree Project, marked another significant milestone in advancing environmental sustainability and climate action within the educational institutions, adding that the response from management and students of Federal Polytechnic Orogun was overwhelmingly positive.
He expressed delight that the event successfully raised awareness on the importance of tree planting, inspired collective action and established a platform for long-term environmental stewardship through the inauguration of the A Million Tree Club.
