In a collective effort to promote environmental sustainability, a coalition of Rotary and Interact Clubs has embarked on a tree-planting initiative at Asagba Mixed Secondary School, Asaba.
A total of 16 economic trees, including mango, avocado, orange, and soursop, were planted within the school premises as part of Rotary International’s environmental focus aimed at curbing erosion, mitigating climate change, and promoting a greener environment.
The participating clubs include Rotary Club of Asaba, Rotary Club of Asaba Central, Rotary Club of Bonsaac Asaba, Rotary Club of Asaba Medical City, Rotaract Club of Asaba, and Interact Club of Government Model Secondary School, Asaba.
Speaking to The Pointer, the President of Rotary Club of Asaba Central, Rtn. Michael Nwankwo explained that the project was in line with Rotary’s core mission to protect the environment.
“This is one of our areas of focus, which is the environment. At this level, we are expected to plant trees to help control erosion and other natural disasters. We are also educating the students and teachers on the importance of tree planting, maintaining a clean environment, reducing bush burning, and promoting a greener future,” he said.
He noted that the Interact Club in the school plays a key role in sustaining such projects by grooming young people to serve humanity and understand the impact of community development.
“The essence of the Interact Club is to build their minds on what Rotary stands for, service to humanity and community development,” Nwankwo added.
Also speaking, the Assistant Governor for four Rotary Clubs in Asaba, Rtn. Isioma Betty Okolo described the tree planting as a strategic contribution to climate resilience and environmental protection.
“With the impact of climate change and flooding, this is our way of helping to protect the environment. We decided to plant economic trees like mango, orange, avocado, and soursop because, beyond providing shade, they can also benefit the students nutritionally. Some of these fruits have health benefits, for instance, an orange is rich in vitamin C, and soursop is believed to help with certain health conditions,” she said.
Rtn. Okolo commended the Rotarians for their commitment to selfless service, stressing that the organisation has always been identified with impactful community projects.
In separate remarks, the President of the Rotary Club of Asaba Medical City, Rtn. Obieze Isabella, President-Elect Rtn. Sylvia Obuh, Immediate Past President of Rotary Club of Asaba, Rtn. Henry Iwelu, and Project Chairperson, Rtn. Sandra Elujekor reiterated the club’s commitment to sustaining environmental projects, charging the school to take ownership of the initiative by nurturing and protecting the planted trees to ensure they grow to maturity.
The President of the Interact Club of Government Model Secondary School, Asaba, Interactor Odum Ngozi, expressed gratitude to the Rotary family for involving the students, saying the exercise was an eye-opener on the role of young people in protecting their environment.
The Vice Principal (Student Affairs), Mrs Amaka Chima, also appreciated the clubs for their initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
“This is a meaningful gesture that will leave a lasting mark on the school. Beyond beautifying the compound, the trees will provide shade, fruits, and a cleaner atmosphere for learning,” she said.
The school’s Head Girl, Blessing Nkemchor, on behalf of the students, pledged their support to nurture the trees and ensure the sustainability of the project.
