The Rotary Club of Abeokuta Royal has launched a tree planting and beautification initiative at the Nigeria Immigration Service headquarters, Abeokuta, while also calling for renewed commitment to basic education, particularly for female children.
The United president, 2025/2026, John Ogunmuyiwa, who led the symbolic planting of trees on Wednesday at the Ogun State command of the Nigeria Immigration Service,Abeokuta, with the theme, “Growing Service,Planting Impact”, said the project was not only about environmental beautification but, also about sustainability, conservation and community health.
“The community is expecting more from us. This tree planting is important because it supports environmental conservation, combats climate change, fosters fellowship and creates a lasting symbol of service,” Ogunmuyiwa said while addressing participants at the event.
He stressed that the trees would be nurtured and monitored until they grow to benefit society, urging the community to take ownership of the initiative.
“Trees provide oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, prevent soil erosion, support wildlife and improve the local environment. They also contribute to the water cycle and help biodiversity thrive,” he added.
The Ogun State Comptroller of Immigration Service, Olufunke Odusote, described the exercise as an enduring investment.
“When you plant a tree, it appears as something small today, but, decades after, it becomes a forest.Trees are like eternal seeds,” she said, commending the Rotary Club and other supporters of the project.
As part of the day’s programme, the Club also engaged members of the Baptist Girls’ Interact Club in a sensitisation session with the theme, “Basic Education,Literacy Project”, which fosed on basic education and female empowerment.
Property consultant and guest lecturer, Lawrita Agbor, told the girls that education remains their strongest tool for self-confidence and independence.
“Education is the power of saying no. It gives confidence, sets boundaries and builds respect.
“The only way forward is for girls to be educated,” she said, urging government and NGOs to prioritise free basic education for female children.
In her own lecture, AG Bisi Kayode, charged parents to deliberately build their daughters’ confidence.
“When a girl is educated, she becomes a gift to her family and the nation at large. Let your children shine. The future of Nigeria is in their hands,” she said.
The event also marked the installation of the new Interact Club president, ITR Sowunmi Islamiat, and was attended by Rotary members including immediate past president Adetonike Kazeem, Club Adviser, Samoye Ajibola, Polio Chair, Damilola Edu, as well as Akinola Adebayo and Ajigbolamu Oluwasehun.
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