By Esther Onyegbula

Stakeholders in environmental sustainability and education, converged on Wahab Folawiyo Comprehensive Junior and Senior High School, Ikoyi, Lagos, as the Ikoyi Club 1938 Ladies’ Golf Section organised a climate change sensitisation, seedling donation and tree planting exercise aimed at promoting environmental responsibility among youths.

The initiative, targeted at raising climate awareness, biodiversity conservation and youth engagement, witnessed the donation and planting of tree seedlings within the school premises, alongside advocacy on sustainable living and environmental stewardship.

Speaking at the event, Lady Captain of the Ikoyi Golf Club Ladies’ Section, Mrs. Peggy Onwu, said the programme was part of the club’s effort to give back to its host community while extending the benefits of environmental sustainability beyond the golf course.
According to her, the Ikoyi Golf Course, which has existed for nearly a century, is home to trees aged between 80 and 100 years, providing clean air, serenity and a healthy environment.

“We enjoy the benefits of these trees daily, and we believe it is only right to extend these benefits to our neighbouring communities, particularly schools where young minds are being shaped,” Onwu said.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the Ladies’ Section’s sustainability philosophy encapsulated in its motto, “Go Beyond. Reach It. Live It. Play It,” adding that the tree planting exercise was designed to improve the learning environment and instil environmental responsibility in students.

Onwu also commended the students of Wahab Folawiyo School for their enthusiasm, recalling their outstanding performance during a previous sustainability engagement at the club, where the school emerged winner among more than 10 Lagos schools that participated.
Also speaking, Chairperson of the Ikoyi Club 1938 Lady Golfers’ Committee on Sustainability, Mrs. Irene Ubah, said the project was born out of a deliberate decision to go beyond leisure activities and address pressing environmental challenges.
“We identified three key focus areas, tree planting, recycling and tree identification. Over 3,200 seedlings were raised from seeds collected within the Ikoyi Club environment. Today, we are donating over 100 seedlings to schools within this axis,” she said.

Ubah urged students to see the exercise as a call to action, stressing that simple practices such as proper waste disposal and nurturing planted trees could yield long-term environmental benefits.

Representing the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals, the Head of Department, Outreach and Advocacy, Mrs. Zaria Ido, lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and consistent with the state government’s climate action drive.
She disclosed that the Lagos State Government is committed to planting one million trees annually, noting that collaboration with private organisations, schools and community groups remains crucial to achieving the target.

“Tree planting is not just about planting; it is about nurturing. These trees will provide oxygen, prevent erosion, offer shelter and help secure our future,” Ido said.
The event also featured goodwill messages from education authorities and the school management, who expressed appreciation for the initiative.

Organisers acknowledged the support of partners, including Lafarge Plc, as well as Lagos State education authorities, consultants and members of the media.

The tree planting exercise, according to the organisers, forms part of the Ikoyi Club 1938 Ladies’ Section’s broader sustainability drive to promote environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation and youth participation in climate action across Lagos State.