By Harriet Tornguvan
The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has launched a nationwide tree planting campaign aimed at planting 1,000 trees within one hour across multiple locations in Nigeria, in a bold move to promote environmental sustainability and community development.
The initiative, tagged “1,000 Trees in One Hour,” was held on Thursday between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. under the association’s Green Borders sustainability programme, bringing together volunteers, stakeholders, community members and environmental advocates in a coordinated national exercise.
Designed as a simultaneous activity across several states, the campaign seeks to mobilise grassroots participation in tackling environmental challenges such as deforestation, climate change and land degradation, while fostering a culture of collective responsibility.
COWA said the initiative represents both a symbolic and practical intervention, combining environmental awareness with measurable impact through coordinated action.
Speaking on the campaign, the National President of COWA, Kikelomo Adeniyi, described it as a call for collective responsibility in safeguarding the environment.
“If we are to secure a healthier and more sustainable future for our communities, we must recognise that environmental stewardship is a shared duty. This initiative is not simply about planting trees; it is about planting hope, restoring our environment and inspiring a culture of responsibility that can endure for generations,” she said.
She explained that the campaign aligns with the association’s broader vision of linking environmental sustainability with community development and citizen engagement.
According to her, the exercise goes beyond tree planting to encourage long-term environmental consciousness, particularly among younger generations.
“The ‘1,000 Trees in One Hour’ campaign demonstrates what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose. While the trees contribute to ecosystem restoration, the awareness created will help nurture environmentally conscious citizens,” she added.
Mrs Adeniyi further noted that the initiative is expected to evolve into a sustained national movement, driven by partnerships, local ownership and active citizen participation.
“Our vision is to make environmental consciousness a way of life. Through the Green Borders initiative, we aim to inspire communities and build a nationwide movement where sustainability is driven not only by policy, but by people,” she said.
The coordinated exercise featured simultaneous planting activities at designated locations nationwide, with participants working within the one-hour window to meet the ambitious target.
Observers say the campaign is expected to deepen collaboration among communities, environmental groups and institutional partners, while strengthening support for future sustainability programmes.
With the launch of the initiative, COWA continues to expand its role in community-based environmental advocacy, reinforcing the importance of citizen participation particularly among women and youths in protecting Nigeria’s environmental future.
