World Environment Day: How VCDF and Sterling Oil Are Driving Climate Literacy Across Lagos Schools
By: Abudu Olalekan
VCDF and Sterling Oil Celebrate World Environment Day with Tree Planting and Climate Literacy in Lagos Schools Essay
World Environment Day is no longer celebrated as a day – it has become a milestone and a moment of reckoning. Time to take a step back and reflect on what is being done, what still needs to be done and where to start. Now. In our communities. Our schools.
These reflections led to the collaboration between Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) and Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) in partnering with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to develop the Grow Green initiative that promotes climate smart education in Lagos State schools.
The Grow Green Initiative has, to date, facilitated the planting of 5,500 tree saplings in 153 schools with an ambition of planting 10,000 tree saplings in six educational districts.
World Environment Day 2026: Going Beyond Climate Awareness into Climate Action
This year, as part of the celebrations of World Environment Day 2026, VCDF and SEEPCO partnered with the Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON) to facilitate an interactive climate change awareness program in selected schools.
The event, held on June 27, 2026, brought together 202 students from Eva Adelaja Girls Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Bariga and Government Model Junior and Senior Colleges, Owutu, Ikorodu. In addition, 20 teachers, 58 SEEPCO volunteers and community leaders participated in the day’s activities which involved the planting of 336 tree saplings at the two schools.
Climate Smart Activities that Captivated Students’ Minds and Inspired Environmental Stewardship
While the planting of the tree seedlings has been widely reported by media outlets, the interactive activities that took place inside the classroom are equally important.
As part of the climate change awareness program, the students were taught waste management. The focus was on exploring the benefits of waste segregation and taking a closer look at the various types of wastes that adversely affect the environment. The students were taught to sort wastes into biodegradable, recyclable, hazardous, sanitary, electronic and residual wastes. They were made to understand that the judicious segregation of wastes will improve their schools’ and community’s environment. The students were also taught how food and garden wastes could be turned into compost manure to help fertilize their schools’ gardens and plantations.
The students, teachers and volunteers learned a number of climate change related issues. However, the most important lesson was that every member of the school community is a climate change champion. They are in a position to take action against climate change.
Quotes From The Event that Say it All
The climate change awareness program attracted the attendance of distinguished guests. Among those present at the event, Samuel Eruwa, a community leader in Ikorodu noted;
“This is laudable because the environment is a matter that affects human life. We acknowledge the efforts of VCDF and the Lagos State Ministry of Education.”
Another student , Ayomide Modat of the senior group, pledged;
“From tomorrow, I will ensure that I water my tree regularly in the morning and evening. I will also ensure that I share what I have learned today with my family and juniors. Even after graduation, I will continue to encourage people to plant trees.”
One of the SEEPCO volunteers shared his feelings about the event;
“I also want to recognize this day as the day I dedicated my tree to my late parents. Knowing that the tree will continue to grow and bear fruits is a reminder that their efforts and sacrifices are not in vain. Personally, the tree planting day has become more special to me than I anticipated.”
The Need for Climate Literacy in Lagos is Incontestable
Lagos is a fast growing city and a major commercial hub in Nigeria. As such, it is at the forefront of Nigeria’s economic development and growth. However, with increased rate of urbanization and growth, comes increased pressure on the environment. Initiatives such as the ones implemented by VCDF and their partners are critical to ensuring that sustainable practices such as tree planting, improved waste management, improved waste disposal and climate change literacy are prioritized in urban hubs such as Lagos. These events are also important for empowering the youth to take climate change action.
VCDF has pledged to continue to work with partners such as SEEPCO, the Lagos State Government, Waste management agencies and communities to continue to drive their agenda for climate change literacy and climate smart practices in Lagos State, Nigeria and beyond.
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
