World Environment Day 2026: CEPEJ Leads Massive Tree-Planting Campaign Across Schools, Healthcare Centre in Delta
By Ezekiel Kagbala
OGBE-IJOH, DELTA STATE — As part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has embarked on an extensive tree-planting campaign across schools and healthcare institutions in Delta State, reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.
The initiative aligns with this year's global theme, "Climate Action," and the slogan, "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future," aimed at encouraging practical actions towards environmental protection and climate resilience.
The exercise commenced today, friday June 5th, 2026 at Ewein Primary School in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, where community leaders, youths, teachers and officials of CEPEJ joined hands to plant economic and environmental trees within the school premises.
Among those who participated was the Youth President of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, Victor Akemotubo, who planted a coconut tree alongside members of the community, symbolising a collective commitment to a greener and more sustainable environment.
The National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Sheriff Mulade, was represented by the organisation's Senior Programme Officer, Samuel Ideh, Administrative Officer Tina Agidi and other members of staff, who actively participated in the exercise and engaged community stakeholders on the importance of environmental conservation.
From Ewein Primary School, the campaign moved to Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, where Vice Principal Mrs Owerieta Funfeyi and teacher Atakpu Emmanuel planted avocado, cashew, orange and other economic trees as part of efforts to promote environmental consciousness among students and staff.
Speaking during the exercise, community representative, Precious Erediegha, planted an orange tree on behalf of CEPEJ and commended the organisation for its consistent commitment to environmental advocacy and community development.
"We appreciate CEPEJ and its leadership for sustaining this important environmental initiative. Planting trees today is an investment in the future of our children and communities," she said.
The exercise was later extended to the Ogbe-Ijoh Primary Healthcare Centre, where Samuel Ideh planted a cashew tree and stressed the need for collective action to preserve the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change.
According to him, tree planting remains one of the most practical and effective ways of combating climate change while promoting healthier and greener communities.
"It has become our tradition to mark World Environment Day through practical environmental actions. This year, we deliberately selected strategic locations such as schools and healthcare institutions because they are centres of learning, growth and community development. By planting economic trees, we are not only protecting the environment but also contributing to future food security and sustainable livelihoods," he stated.
World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, is the flagship environmental awareness programme of the United Nations. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the global event has, since 1973, mobilised governments, organisations, communities and individuals across the world to take action towards environmental protection and sustainable development.
The CEPEJ-led initiative attracted positive responses from residents, teachers and community stakeholders, many of whom described the programme as timely and impactful in view of the growing threats posed by climate change, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.
Observers noted that by targeting schools and healthcare institutions, CEPEJ is helping to nurture environmental consciousness among young people while promoting sustainable development at the grassroots level.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmental justice, climate resilience and community-driven conservation efforts across the Niger Delta, stressing that sustained environmental action remains critical to securing a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.
