GREEN LAGOS RISING: The Woman Behind 19,875 Trees Transforming Africa’s Busiest City
2 min read
Aug 05, 2025
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In the sprawling metropolis of Lagos — a city known for its chaotic traffic, ceaseless energy, and towering ambition — a quiet revolution has been taking root, quite literally. Over the past year, Lagosians have witnessed a remarkable transformation: the planting of 19,875 trees across every corner of the state. But behind this lush surge lies more than just numbers. It is the story of a city reclaiming its breath — and of a woman whose vision made it possible.
At the helm of this greening crusade is Adetoun Popoola, the indefatigable General Manager of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK). With a clear mission, a passionate team, and the power of partnerships, she has redefined what public service leadership can look like in 21st-century Nigeria.
What began as a government initiative has blossomed into a full-fledged movement — #TreesForLagos — a citywide call to action that has drawn in schoolchildren, private developers, civil society groups, and everyday citizens. From Ikorodu to Ikoyi, Badagry to Epe, the reach is unmistakable. Parks, schools, estates, highways, and even office blocks have all become fertile ground for this green revival.
These aren’t just trees. They are symbols of something larger: cleaner air, reduced heat stress, protection from flooding, and the beautification of a city that desperately needs breathing spaces amid its concrete sprawl.
“For us at LASPARK, tree planting isn’t just about the environment — it’s about health, identity, and legacy,” Popoola tells First Weekly. “We want Lagosians to feel proud of their surroundings and inspired to contribute to it.”
The campaign’s visible successes tell only part of the story. Behind the scenes is the meticulous planning and collaboration Popoola has steered across multiple layers of government and community life. Her leadership has fused environmental policy with public education, urban design, and grassroots mobilization — a rare synthesis in today’s fragmented governance landscape.
It is not unusual now to see schoolchildren planting trees on graduation days, or real estate developers reaching out to LASPARK for green certifications. The movement has even inspired faith-based institutions and market leaders to adopt their own tree-planting targets.
But beyond the environmental benefits, this green drive has ignited a sense of ownership and unity across the city. “Every tree is a reminder that we all have a stake in the future of Lagos,” says a local volunteer in Alimosho. “It may seem small, but it’s powerful.”
As the final tree from this phase was planted in July 2025, Adetoun Popoola remains focused — not on accolades, but on the future. She believes the 19,875 trees are only the beginning of what will become a culture of sustainability in Lagos. Plans are already underway to expand green corridors, establish community maintenance groups, and introduce nature-based learning into schools.
In a city constantly reinventing itself — from its skyline to its soul — this is one legacy that will stand tall, blossom wide, and cast shade for generations to come.
