WIMA Nigeria Marks World Environment Day with Tree-Planting Campaign in Apapa, Promotes Environmental Sustainability
LAGOS – Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA Nigeria) commemorated the 2026 World Environment Day with a symbolic tree-planting exercise in Apapa, Lagos, reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability, climate action, and a greener future.
The initiative, held under the WIMAfrica theme, “One Woman, One Tree, One Future,” brought together WIMA Nigeria executives, ambassadors, members, and key stakeholders in a collective effort to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Speaking during the event, President of WIMA Nigeria, Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze, described tree planting as a long-term investment in environmental preservation and public well-being. She highlighted the numerous benefits of trees, including improving air quality, combating climate change, preventing soil erosion, preserving biodiversity, and enhancing the quality of life in communities.
Nwaeze urged individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace tree planting as a continuous responsibility rather than a one-off activity tied to commemorative events.
“As we celebrate World Environment Day, let us renew our commitment to environmental conservation. Every tree planted today is an investment in a greener tomorrow. Together, we can leave a lasting legacy of sustainability for future generations,” she said.
Also speaking, WIMA Nigeria Ambassador, Chief Mrs. Carol Ufere, commended the association’s leadership for aligning with the broader WIMAfrica vision through the environmental initiative. She described trees as indispensable to human existence, noting their role in cooling the environment, improving air quality, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating erosion.
Ufere further supported a proposal by fellow WIMA Ambassador, Ambassador Ify Akerele, calling for collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority to extend tree-planting activities to port access roads and other strategic maritime corridors.
“This is a great initiative. Trees are life. They help create a healthier environment and protect nature. We must continue to expand this campaign and encourage relevant government agencies and private sector stakeholders to join us in making our environment greener,” she stated.
In her remarks, Ambassador Ify Akerele encouraged members to take environmental sustainability beyond organized events and make it a personal commitment.
“The tree you plant today should not be the last. Let this become a regular practice. Take the initiative to your homes, workplaces, and communities. Let government and other stakeholders see the impact and be encouraged to key into the movement. That is how real change begins,” she said.
Vice President, Anglophone Region of WIMAfrica, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, applauded the dedication of WIMA Nigeria ambassadors and members who continue to support the association’s programmes. She emphasized the critical role of trees in maintaining environmental balance and sustaining human life through oxygen production.
Macfoy also encouraged members to strengthen collaboration, networking, and mutual support beyond environmental advocacy.
“If we continue with initiatives like this, it will be a remarkable achievement for all of us. Beyond tree planting, we must continue to support one another, strengthen our networks, build partnerships, and lift each other to greater heights both professionally and personally,” she said.
WIMA Nigeria Coordinator, Mrs. Faithhope Aloyious, described tree planting as a symbol of hope, renewal, and collective responsibility toward a healthier planet. According to her, every tree planted contributes to cleaner air, improved public health, and a more sustainable future.
Similarly, Vice President of WIMA Nigeria, Mrs. Temilade Ogunniyi, said the event served as a call to action for individuals across all sectors, stressing that environmental protection is a shared responsibility.
“The essence of today’s event is to encourage everyone to protect the future. Whether at home, in our workplaces, or within our communities, we must make tree planting a habit. By doing so, we create cleaner environments, breathe fresher air, and reduce health risks associated with environmental degradation,” she said.
In her closing remarks, Secretary-General of WIMA Nigeria, Mrs. Obiageli Benjamin, thanked ambassadors, members, and stakeholders for their support and participation, noting that the exercise represented more than simply planting trees.
“Today, we have not just planted trees; we have planted hope, life, and a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship. The impact of what we have done here will continue to benefit future generations,” she said.
The event concluded with participants pledging to sustain the campaign by promoting tree planting in their communities and supporting initiatives aimed at protecting the environment.
For WIMA Nigeria, the message remains clear: safeguarding the environment requires collective responsibility, sustained action, and strategic collaboration. Through initiatives such as its World Environment Day tree-planting campaign, the association seeks to inspire more individuals and organizations to become active champions of a greener and more sustainable future.
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