By Joseph Joy and Daniel Amarachi

Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) is set to host a Guinness World Record (GWR) tree planting event between June 4 and 5, 2025, in conjunction with World Environment Day celebrations.

The event, which aims to promote environmental sustainability and combat climate change, will feature Michael Odenigbo from Igbo Etiti Local Council of Enugu indigene, who will attempt to plant trees for 24 hours to set a new Guinness World Record.

A meeting to discuss preparations for the event was hosted in the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chike Nwoha, where Deans of various faculties and Heads of Department were tasked with organizing the planting of 200 environmental trees within their respective faculties.

According to Prof. T.O. Onedu, a member of the Green Environment Committee, he said that the university’s Vice Chancellor has declared an emergency on tree planting, with the goal of transforming the environment into a green oasis. Each faculty has been tasked with planting at least 200 environmental trees within their respective faculties while the committee will organize common areas like roads and open spaces.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor encouraged Deans and HoDs to mobilize their faculties to participate in the event, which will also feature the Governor and the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Enugu State, as special guests.

Consquently, June 5, 2025, has been declared a lecture-free day in the university to enable students and staff to participate in the event.

“We are adopting a strategy where each faculty will participate fully in the exercise, and we will provide support and guidance to ensure its success.

“The benefits of tree planting far outweighs the disadvantages, and we believe that this initiative will contribute significantly to mitigating the impact of climate change,” Prof. Onedu said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Prof. Emeka Nze, revealed that his faculty has already completed planting 200 ornamental and economic trees. “We have a committee in charge of ornamental and economic trees, and we have been working hard to ensure that our faculty leads the way in this initiative,” he said.

Prof. Nze also offered the faculty’s assistance to other faculties in providing manure and expertise to ensure the success of the tree planting exercise. “We are ready to assist any faculty that needs help, and we will monitor the progress of the assignment given to us by the management,” he said.

The event aims to promote environmental sustainability, beautify the surroundings, and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. With the participation of all faculties, the event promises to be a grand success, and the university’s efforts are expected to inspire others to take action in protecting the environment.