The UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, has commemorated World Environment Day 2026 with a tree-planting initiative across two historic schools in Lagos State.
The exercise was carried out at King’s College, Lagos, and CMS Grammar School, Bariga, as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and climate awareness among young Nigerians.
The activity marks the commencement of the Foundation’s 2026 Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative, a programme aimed at fostering environmental consciousness in schools and encouraging long-term climate-positive practices.
The initiative is being implemented in selected schools across Nigeria to integrate sustainability education into everyday learning and inspire students to become environmental stewards.
World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5 under the coordination of the United Nations, is a global platform for environmental awareness.
The 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” calls for urgent collective action to address climate change and environmental degradation.
Speaking during the exercise at CMS Grammar School, Managing Director/CEO of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, described the initiative as a long-term investment in environmental protection and youth development.
She noted that young people must be equipped with the knowledge and responsibility needed to protect the environment and build healthier communities.
Now in its fourth year, the Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative is designed to embed environmental responsibility within school systems and empower students to act as sustainability ambassadors.
UBA Foundation explained that the selection of King’s College and CMS Grammar School was intentional, based on their historical significance and capacity to sustain long-term environmental projects.
CMS Grammar School, established as Nigeria’s oldest secondary school, and King’s College, with over a century of academic legacy, were chosen to ensure continuity and long-term impact of the initiative.
The Foundation also highlighted concerns over the rapid loss of green spaces in urban centres due to increasing development.
It stressed the need for sustained environmental restoration efforts to balance urban growth with ecological preservation.
According to the organisation, tree planting remains a critical tool in combating environmental degradation and promoting climate resilience.
The initiative forms part of the broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy of the UBA Group.
UBA Group Chief Risk Officer, Awele Ajibola, said the organisation remains committed to driving environmental responsibility and supporting climate-related initiatives across its operations.
She added that financial institutions have a key role to play in addressing climate risks and promoting sustainable development.
UBA Group is also implementing several activities in commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, including: Participation in the Finance Taskforce for Plastic Action in Nigeria, Green Talk sessions across its branches, Launch of Sustainability Clubs in school, Environmental awareness campaigns across media platforms, A month-long Green Challenge promoting eco-friendly behaviour
These initiatives are aimed at strengthening environmental awareness among customers, employees, and students nationwide.
Principal of CMS Grammar School, Revd. Jacob Ayokunle Ogunyinka, described the programme as a practical reinforcement of environmental education, helping students apply classroom knowledge in real-life settings.
Similarly, Principal of King’s College, Magaji Zachariah, appreciated the Foundation for selecting the school and investing in environmental awareness.