Last Updated on October 29, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & David Johnson
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has partnered with Solevo and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to plant 500 tree seedlings on campus, reinforcing efforts to promote environmental sustainability, restore ecosystems and combat deforestation.
The tree-planting exercise, held today, October 23, 2026, covered one hectare of land along the Postgraduate Hostel Road leading to the Prof. Olusola Oyewole Lecture Theatre. The seedlings comprised three species: Khaya, Eucalyptus and Tectona. The initiative forms part of Solevo’s sustainability agenda, implemented in collaboration with NCF and facilitated by FUNAAB.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Dean, College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), Prof. Olusegun Oguntoke, described the partnership as essential to deploying institutional resources and expertise towards impactful environmental initiatives.
He noted that the collaboration would help sustain ecosystem functions, assuring the partners of the University’s readiness to make additional resources available to support long-term environmental conservation. He also highlighted FUNAAB’s land resources, spanning over 10,200 hectares, as an asset for advancing environmental sustainability initiatives.
Speaking also, the Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof. Bolarinwa Sehinjobi, applauded the initiative, noting that tree planting could help combat deforestation, conserve soil, improve climate resilience and support agricultural productivity. He further observed that the partnership could provide valuable capacity-building opportunities for FUNAAB students.
In his Goodwill Message, Prof. Michael Aduradola, who delivered FUNAAB’s 37th Inaugural Lecture, titled “The Forest of Hope: Pains and Gains in Tropical Silviculture,” highlighted the importance of trees to human well-being. He described tree planting as a restorative measure against forest degradation and commended the participants for supporting environmental conservation.
Earlier, the project facilitator, Prof. Olusegun Oladoye of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, COLERM, reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to collaborative environmental projects. He cited the University’s recent afforestation exercise, during which 25,000 seedlings were planted in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), expressing optimism that the new partnership would yield similar impactful results.
The Environment, Health, Safety and Quality Manager at Solevo, Mrs Omotola Osiko, who led the company’s delegation, described the exercise as part of the organisation’s commitment to environmental sustainability. She explained that Solevo had partnered with NCF to advance tree planting and intended to extend the initiative beyond a one-off exercise through a sustained collaboration with FUNAAB.
She added that Solevo operates 17 warehouses across Nigeria and is involved in the manufacture and supply of paints, chemicals and agricultural products. According to her, the company’s environmental commitments align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly climate action and life on land.
Representing the Director-General of NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, the Foundation’s South-West Project Officer, Mr Adeyemo Olayomade, commended FUNAAB for facilitating the initiative and welcomed the collaboration. He acknowledged Solevo’s partnership with NCF in promoting tree planting, stressing the importance of collective action in protecting the environment and conserving natural resources.
Meanwhile, the exercise culminated in the planting and watering of the 500 tree seedlings, underscoring the partners’ shared commitment to environmental protection and sustainable land management.
#SDG13, #SDG15, #SDG17
