From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Principal of Cherubim and Seraphim College, Sabo-Oke, Ilorin, Mrs. Oluwaranti Awotunde, has commended the Kwara State Government for donating 50 tree seedlings to the school as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability.
Speaking during a brief ceremony held within the school premises, Mrs. Awotunde, explained that the seedlings were distributed through the Ilorin East local government area, noting that she shared 20 of the 50 seedlings with the UBEC section of the school to ensure collective participation in the planting exercise.
“The government gave us 50 seedling plants to plant within our school compound. I gave 20 out of the 50 to the UBEC section because we are all one. I also invited the church to officially launch the planting, as it is important for the church to be part of this effort,” she said.
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She expressed appreciation to the state government for the initiative, noting that the gesture went beyond her expectations in terms of value and impact. “I initially thought the seedlings were cheap, but I later discovered that they cost between six to seven thousand naira each. The government really spent a lot, and we are grateful for their support,” she added.
According to her, the seedlings, comprising oil palm, mango, and orange trees, will serve dual purposes: protecting school buildings from wind damage and providing economic benefits through harvests in the future.
“The plants will serve as protection against strong winds or storms, and when the time of harvest comes, we will enjoy the fruits together. These are cash crops that will benefit the school community,” she noted.
Mrs. Awotunde also advised the public to cultivate a habit of replacing trees whenever they are cut down, stressing that such actions are essential to preserving the environment. “Anyone who cuts down a tree should replace it. Uprooting trees without replanting is not good for the environment,” she cautioned.
In his remarks, Special Apostle Enoch Oluwafemi Dairo, Senior District Secretary of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Ilorin District, lauded the government’s environmental initiative, describing it as a commendable step worthy of emulation.
“We were encouraged when the principal told us that the state government gave the school seedlings to plant. Tree planting is important because it helps protect the school buildings from strong winds and beautifies the environment. The government deserves commendation for this initiative,” he said.
The event concluded with the symbolic planting of trees by church representatives and staff members within the school compound.
