GGPI CEO distributes school materials, reusable sanitary pads, plants economic trees and inaugurates Green Clubs across five LGAs
By Yahaya Idris
The Chief Executive Officer of the Global Green Pillars Initiative (GGPI), Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, OON, has flagged off a tree-planting and educational support programme across secondary schools in Kogi Central Senatorial District as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability, climate awareness and girl-child empowerment.
The initiative, personally sponsored by Jatto, features the planting of economic and shade trees, distribution of educational materials and provision of eco-friendly reusable sanitary pads to students in selected secondary schools.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Jatto, who also serves as the State Project Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project in Kogi State, described the intervention as part of her longstanding commitment to building a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment.
https://globaltimesnigeria.com/2026/10/10/nasarawa-jatau-sule-bassa-road-contract/
She explained that the programme was designed to instil environmental responsibility in young people while addressing some of the educational and health-related challenges confronting schoolchildren, particularly adolescent girls.
“This is a personal mission for me, among several others I have undertaken over the years to make our environment friendly and healthy. I believe that true environmental change must start with our young people. If we teach a child to plant and nurture a tree today, we are raising a generation that will protect the earth tomorrow,” she said.
Jatto noted that secondary schools were deliberately selected because adolescence represents a formative stage when lifelong habits, values and attitudes towards environmental protection can be developed.
According to her, cultivating a culture of tree planting among students would help create a generation that understands the importance of protecting the environment without waiting for enforcement.
“When tree planting becomes a culture in secondary schools, we will no longer need to enforce environmental protection; the children themselves will become its protectors,” she added.
The environmental component of the initiative focuses on the benefits of trees in combating climate change, preventing soil erosion, checking desertification, improving air quality and preserving biodiversity.
Jatto also highlighted the economic value of fruit-bearing trees, including mango, cashew, moringa and citrus, noting that they can provide food, improve nutrition and generate income in the future.
She explained that trees also help conserve water, reduce flooding, provide shade and create a more conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
Beyond environmental protection, the programme addresses educational needs through the distribution of writing materials intended to ease the financial burden on parents and encourage students to remain in school.
The reusable sanitary pads, which can be washed and used for up to 12 months when properly maintained, are designed to promote menstrual hygiene and help reduce school absenteeism associated with inadequate access to menstrual products.
Describing the initiative as a comprehensive approach to community development, Jatto said the programme connects environmental protection with education, health and the dignity of the girl-child.
“This is a holistic approach to a friendly and healthy environment. We are planting trees for a healthy environment, we are planting knowledge with books for a healthy mind, and we are planting dignity with reusable pads for a healthy girl-child,” she stated.
Jatto has championed several environmental initiatives through GGPI, including community clean-up campaigns, climate-change sensitisation for women and young people, advocacy against indiscriminate tree felling, promotion of clean cooking energy and partnership efforts aimed at watershed protection.
Meanwhile, principals and students from benefiting schools across the five local government areas of Kogi Central—Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, Okene and Ogori-Magongo—commended the initiative, describing it as a practical contribution to environmental awareness and educational development.
The ceremony climaxed with symbolic tree planting involving Jatto, teachers, students and GGPI volunteers. Green Clubs were also inaugurated in the participating schools to promote continuous environmental education and ensure that the planted trees receive proper care.
The initiative brings together environmental sustainability, school support and menstrual health awareness, with organisers hoping that the programme will inspire students to become advocates for greener and healthier communities.