By Abdullahi Lukman
The UBA Foundation and the Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI) have stepped up efforts to promote environmental sustainability and tackle climate challenges, using the 2026 World Environment Day celebration to advance tree planting, environmental education and pollution monitoring initiatives.
UBA Foundation launched its 2026 Tree Planting Initiative with exercises at King’s College, Lagos, and CMS Grammar School, Bariga, as part of activities marking the global event.
Managing Director of the foundation, Bola Atta, said the initiative was aimed at encouraging young people to embrace environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
According to her, the programme is a long-term investment in the future, designed to foster environmental consciousness among students and contribute to the creation of healthier communities.
Atta said the selection of King’s College and CMS Grammar School was informed by their rich history and capacity to sustain the project over time.
She noted that increasing urbanisation had continued to reduce green spaces across many Nigerian cities, making environmental restoration efforts more important.
“Through initiatives like this, we are encouraging the next generation to embrace sustainable practices that will help create healthier communities and a better future for all,” she said.
UBA Group Chief Risk Officer, Awele Ajibola, said climate change remains a growing threat and stressed the bank’s commitment to supporting environmental sustainability through practical interventions.
The foundation also announced additional World Environment Day activities, including its inauguration as a member of the Finance Taskforce for Plastic Action in Nigeria, sustainability engagement sessions with customers and the establishment of environmental clubs in selected schools.
Meanwhile, MAJI called for stronger climate action and tougher measures to address pollution in the Niger Delta.
Speaking at a World Environment Day briefing in Port Harcourt, MAJI’s Lead Project Officer for Environment and Conservation, Ikechukwu Ahaka, said findings from environmental monitoring projects had revealed persistent pollution challenges linked to oil exploration and other human activities.
He stressed the need for wider deployment of technology-driven monitoring systems and greater reliance on scientific data to identify pollution sources and enforce environmental standards.
Ahaka said the organisation had installed low-cost air quality monitoring devices in communities across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers states under its Strengthening Data for Climate Action in Nigeria project.
According to him, environmental degradation continues to threaten public health, livelihoods and economic stability in many communities across the region.
He urged the Federal Government to strengthen environmental regulatory agencies, end gas flaring and promote renewable energy adoption, while calling on oil companies and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at protecting the environment.
World Environment Day 2026 was celebrated globally under the theme, “Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for Our Future,” with stakeholders using the occasion to renew calls for sustainable environmental practices and climate resilience.
