NNPC foundation plants trees to ensure land restoration in South-East region

From Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation has planted over 70 economic trees in the Federal Government College (FGC), Enugu as part of its efforts to ensure land restoration in the South-East region.

The NNPC Foundation tree planting is also part of efforts to nationally sustain the Federal Government Green Initiative as well as commemorate the World Environment Day which is held every June 5.

The Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, made this known during a sensitization to students of FGC, Enugu before the tree planting, said that the world is going green and reducing carbon-dioxide and carbon-monoxide to recreate a healthier world.

Arukwe, represented by Mr Pius Ebigbagha, challenged the students to take ownership of their environment by doing things that would protect it and make it sustainable and resilient.

The theme for this year’s WED Day is: “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”.

“One positive way one can go green is by planting trees, which is what we are doing in the school today as we planned to plant over 70 economic and land degradation mitigating trees.

The managing director said that the foundation was embarking on catching-them-young to ensure that it mandate and vision on sustainable environment last from generation-to-generation.

Arukwe lauded the management, staff and students of the school on its avowed commitment to ensure to the survival of the planted trees and further do more to improve the green vegetation in the school.

Earlier in a remark, the Principal of the school, Mrs Grace Takerhi, lauded the NNPC Foundation for choosing FGC Enugu as its host for the WED Day and planting over 70 economic and special purpose trees.

Takerhi, represented by the Vice-Principal of the school, Mrs Nora Ugwu, commended the NNPC Foundation for tackling and checking environmental issues revenging parts of the country.

“The desert encroachment in the country is alarming and should be checked to aviod endangering the ecological system of our environment,” she said.

One of the student participants, Master Ebong Ndifake, said that he would enlighten his peers and classmates to join in protecting the environment and ensuring that the school environment remains green.

Ndifake, who is a member of FGC Environmental Club, also advocated for the tree planting campaign to be extended to homes, communities and other public/civic places in order to inculcate the habit of keep the environment green always.