UBA Foundation plants seeds of sustainability in King’s College, CMS Grammar School

L – R: Managing Director/CEO, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta; Principal, CMS Grammar School, Jacob Ayokunle Ogunyinka, and Health, Safely and Environment (HSE) Manager, United Bank for Africa(UBA), Khalid Agboola; flanked by students of CMS Grammar School, Bariga, during the UBA Foundation Tree Planting Exercise held at the school in commemoration of World Environment Day 2026 at the weekend

Michael Olumide

UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability with a tree-planting exercise at two of Lagos State’s most renowned educational institutions, King’s College, Lagos, and CMS Grammar School, Bariga.

The exercise, organised to commemorate World Environment Day 2026, marks the commencement of the Foundation’s 2026 Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative, a programme designed to promote environmental consciousness among young people and encourage climate-positive actions across selected schools in Nigeria.

World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5 under the coordination of the United Nations, serves as the world’s foremost platform for environmental advocacy and awareness. The 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” highlights the urgent need for collective efforts to tackle climate change and environmental degradation.

Speaking during the exercise at CMS Grammar School, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, described the initiative as a strategic investment in future generations and the environment.

According to her, the Foundation aims to inspire young people to take ownership of environmental protection and sustainability.

“We want young people to understand that the environment needs our collective support and protection. 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.

Atta explained that the Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative, now in its fourth year, seeks to instill environmental responsibility among students by integrating sustainability practices into school communities and empowering young people to become environmental ambassadors.

She noted that the selection of King’s College and CMS Grammar School was deliberate, considering their rich heritage and capacity to sustain the project for future generations.

“These are iconic institutions with deep historical significance. CMS Grammar School is Nigeria’s oldest secondary school, while King’s College has been shaping leaders for more than a century. We wanted schools where these trees will be nurtured and allowed to flourish for generations to come,” she stated.

Atta further observed that rapid urbanisation across Nigerian cities has significantly reduced green spaces, making environmental restoration more important than ever.

“Over the years, development has often taken precedence over environmental preservation, leading to the loss of many trees and green areas. However, there is no better time than now to begin restoring our environment and making a lasting impact,” she added.

The initiative forms part of UBA Group’s broader commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and sustainable development objectives.

Also speaking at the event, UBA Group Chief Risk Officer, Awele Ajibola, emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship in mitigating climate-related risks.

“At UBA, initiatives like this demonstrate our commitment to the environment and the communities we serve. Climate change presents real and growing risks, and as a responsible financial institution, we recognise our role in driving positive environmental action and sustainable development,” Ajibola said.

The tree-planting exercise is one of several activities organised by the Group to commemorate World Environment Day 2026. Other initiatives include UBA’s inauguration as a member of the Finance Taskforce for Plastic Action in Nigeria, Green Talk sessions with customers across branches, the launch of Sustainability Clubs in participating schools, environmental awareness campaigns across the bank’s communication platforms, and a month-long Green Challenge aimed at promoting environmentally responsible behaviour.

The initiative received commendation from school authorities, who described it as a practical approach to environmental education.

Principal of CMS Grammar School, Jacob Ayokunle Ogunyinka, said the programme would help reinforce lessons on environmental conservation taught in classrooms.

“Our students learn about the importance of trees and environmental conservation in the classroom. Seeing these principles demonstrated in practice deepens their understanding and inspires greater responsibility towards protecting the environment,” he said.

Similarly, the Principal of King’s College, Magaji Zachariah, expressed appreciation to the UBA Foundation for selecting the institution as one of the beneficiaries of the programme and for investing in environmental education.

Beyond the planting of trees, the Foundation also engaged students in interactive discussions on environmental stewardship, highlighting the importance of proper waste disposal, recycling, water conservation, and energy efficiency.

Encouraging participants to take immediate action towards environmental protection, Atta quoted renowned environmentalist and Nobel Laureate, Wangari Maathai, saying: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now.”

UBA Foundation remains committed to driving socio-economic development across Africa through strategic interventions in education, environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and other special projects aimed at improving lives and building stronger communities.