FCTA, ETHIOPIAN EMBASSY, APC YOUTH WING PARTNER TO GREEN ABUJA, DEEPEN PAN-AFRICAN RELATIONS
By: Wisdom Acka
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Health Services and Environment Secretariat, has partnered with the Embassy of Ethiopia in Nigeria and the All-Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Wing to launch a major tree planting initiative tagged the “FCTA-Ethiopia Youth Tree Planting Initiative.”
Flagged off on 4th September 2026, along the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, the exercise was organized under the overarching campaign theme, “Youth United for a Greener FCT: Renewing Hope Through Tree Planting.”
Abuja Digest reports that the joint initiative brought together young leaders and diplomatic stakeholders to combine active environmental protection with bilateral Pan-African cooperation for sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCTA,
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, emphasized that the campaign represents a lasting symbol of continental unity and environmental stewardship rather than a one-off event.
”Today, we are here to demonstrate Pan-Africanism. A seed grows up into a tree, a tree becomes a forest. The forest is the strength of Africa.
“It is more than an environmental activity; it is a meaningful symbol of Pan-African friendship, shared responsibility, and our common commitment to building a greater and more sustainable continent,” she stated.
Dr. Fasawe assured the public that the exercise is designed for long-term sustainability, noting that the Directorate of Parks and Recreation will continuously monitor the seedlings.
The Secretary added that the campaign is aligned with broader efforts to restore and preserve the Abuja Master Plan, following charges by the First Lady of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to restore the capital’s green spaces.
”As we continue to build these roads, we continue to also green the environment,” she noted, highlighting ongoing exercises across key corridors, including the University of Abuja and Ibrahim Babangida Way.
Dr. Fasawe also stated: “As Africa prepares to deepen its engagement on global environmental and climate commitments, initiatives such as this demonstrate that meaningful change does not begin in conference halls. It begins when institutions, communities, individuals, and youth leaders come together and take practical action.”
In his address, the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, described the bilateral exercise as an extension of youth diplomacy and Pan-African cooperation under the “Plant Africa Fraternity” initiative.
”Every tree we plant today is more than an environmental gesture. It is a symbol of friendship between Nigeria and Ethiopia, a commitment to the future of Africa.
“Our continent’s future will not be secured by slogans; it will be secured by service, innovation, enterprise, and cooperation. No tree becomes a forest by standing alone, and no African country can achieve its full potential in isolation,” Dr. Israel said.
The APC youth leader commended FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike and Dr. Fasawe for their rapid coordination, infrastructure drive, and dedication to environmental sustainability across the Federal Capital Territory, while also appreciating the First Lady for her ongoing support toward youth mobility and diplomacy initiatives.
Ambassador of Ethiopia to Nigeria, Amb. Legesse Geremew Haile who was represented by the Embassy’s Minister Councillor for Political Affairs, Misgna Tekiu Abrha, highlighted the strategic weight of the collaboration, framing it as a practical expression of South-South cooperation to address shared challenges such as climate change.
