Last Updated on August 19, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

By Raymond Osemene

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has strengthened its drive towards environmental sustainability with the donation and planting of 3,000 trees on campus by Polaris Bank and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), in collaboration with the American Tower Corporation Nigeria (ATCN). The exercise took place today, August 18, 2025.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, highlighted the environmental and social value of tree planting. According to him, trees not only provide shade and fresh air but also act as natural windbreaks and hold potential for developing recreational spaces within the University.

The Vice-Chancellor commended NCF and ATCN for their commitment to sustainability and called for continuous collaborations that would further enhance FUNAAB’s green initiatives.

In his Goodwill Message, Mr. Lateef Salami of ATCN, an alumnus of FUNAAB, described the collaboration with NCF as a demonstration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and a way of giving back to society. He advocated for the institutionalisation of tree planting as an annual tradition, while encouraging stronger partnerships with the University Community.

Also speaking, Prof. Segun Oladoye acknowledged the contributions of Mr. Adeyemi Olayomade of NCF, who facilitated the donation, commending his passion for environmental sustainability.

The event was attended by the Head of Department, Forest Resources Management, Dr. Noah Oyebamiji, as well as stakeholders from Polaris Bank, NCF, and ATCN, among others.

Credit: Tofunmi Adebayo