Sterling One Foundation and Partners Launch One-Million-Tree Initiative

Nume Ekeghe

The Sterling One Foundation, together with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Sterling Bank, and Fifth Chukker Resort, has announced the One Million Trees Planting Initiative in Kaduna. The program aims to combat climate change, rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, and improve community livelihoods across Nigeria.

Unveiled on World Environment Day, the initiative is a large‑scale reforestation and landscape restoration effort designed to address deforestation, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and other environmental problems.

Targeting the planting of one million trees over the next several years, the program is expected to become one of the country’s largest collaborative tree‑planting projects. It will also generate economic opportunities for local residents, especially women, who will take an active role in planting, caring for, and maintaining the trees.

At the launch, Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, highlighted the importance of partnerships in tackling climate challenges. He said, “Climate resilience requires bold action and strong partnerships. The One Million Trees Initiative demonstrates how collaborative efforts can deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes. AFC is proud to lead an initiative that advances ecosystem restoration, carbon capture, and community development while contributing to Africa’s broader sustainability ambitions.”

Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of the Sterling One Foundation, explained that the initiative extends beyond tree planting to support long‑term environmental and social development. “The One Million Trees Initiative is more than a tree‑planting campaign; it is a commitment to restoring our environment and investing in the future of our communities. We recognize that climate action must be both inclusive and sustainable. By combining ecosystem restoration with community participation and economic empowerment, particularly for women, we are creating a model for long‑term impact that will benefit generations to come,” she said.