Sahara Group has expanded its environmental sustainability agenda through a strategic partnership between its flagship Adopt A Forest Initiative and the Gelegele Forest Reserve in Edo State.

The collaboration, which begins with the planting of 20,000 tree seedlings, aims to regenerate degraded areas of the reserve and reinforce Sahara’s long term commitment to nature based climate action.

Collaboration Strengthens Ecosystem Restoration

The project launch featured engagements with the Edo State Forestry Commission and the Gelegele Forest Reserve Board, thereby underscoring Sahara Group’s collaborative approach to restoring ecosystems, safeguarding biodiversity, and promoting sustainable livelihoods within host communities.

Adopt A Forest Initiative Gains Continental Reach

Launched in 2023, the Adopt A Forest Initiative stands as one of Sahara Group’s foremost climate action programmes designed to restore degraded landscapes, conserve Africa’s natural carbon sinks, and strengthen resilience against climate change.

By 2024, the initiative had already expanded across Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Dubai, while further projects are planned in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya in 2025.

Gray Reiterates Commitment to Sustainability

Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, described the initiative as a key driver of Sahara’s vision for a greener and more sustainable future.

She explained that the Adopt A Forest Initiative goes beyond tree planting, as it is designed to drive environmental sustainability of natural carbon sinks.

She noted that Sahara recognizes this God given gift as essential for managing emissions, sequestering carbon, and ensuring that Africa’s lungs continue to sustain the planet.

Asharami Energy Highlights Integrated Approach

Speaking at the launch, Babatomiwa Adesida, Head of Business Support, Asharami Energy, a Sahara Group company, said the project reflects the Group’s integrated approach to sustainability.

He emphasiSed that sustainability remains at the core of Asharami Energy’s business, and their support for the Adopt A Forest Initiative reflects a shared responsibility to regenerate the environment and protect biodiversity.

He added that every tree planted represents a step toward reversing decades of degradation and rebuilding hope.

Edo State Forestry Commission Applauds the Initiative

Hon. Asuen Valentine, Chairman, Edo State Forestry Commission, commended Sahara Group for its forward looking intervention.

He stated that although the best time to plant a tree was years ago, the second best time is now. He expressed gratitude to Sahara Group for championing the Adopt A Forest Initiative and praised the effort for its potential to restore the forests and preserve them for future generations.

Sahara Group Reaffirms Climate Leadership

Speaking further on the initiative, Gray reaffirmed Sahara’s resolve to continue driving climate leadership across its operations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. She added that this work remains necessary and non negotiable, stressing the need to strike the right balance between preserving natural forests and biodiversity while driving sustainable development.

Adopt A Forest Initiative Remains a Cornerstone of Climate Action

The Adopt A Forest Initiative continues to serve as a cornerstone of Sahara Group’s climate action strategy, integrating nature based solutions, resource efficiency, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure Africa continues to breathe through its forests, which remain the continent’s most vital gift to the world.