By Patrick Ochei
Renowned environmentalist, popularly known as the Desert Warrior, and founder of the Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE Africa), Chief Dr. Newton Jibunoh, has fulfilled his promise to plant trees at the Issele-Uku Royal Palace to mark the 10th anniversary of the Ine Aho Festival of His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka, JP, MNSE, the Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom.
The tree-planting initiative, tagged “Project Greening Issele-Uku Palace,” was carried out on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with Obi Nduka, Dr. Jibunoh, chiefs of Issele-Uku and other stakeholders each planting a tree within the palace grounds.
Speaking during the exercise, Jibunoh said he was delighted to return to the palace to contribute to its environmental sustainability, describing himself as a long-standing member of the traditional institution, having been conferred with the chieftaincy title of Obasogie nearly four decades ago.
“t is a thing of joy to be at this palace to plant trees, being a long-standing member of this traditional institution as a chief. Issele-Uku Kingdom is renowned for the preservation of its traditional and cultural heritage, and there is a need to sustain the environmental ambience of the palace with life-giving trees”, he said.
P“We are here today to plant trees for life, trees for celebration and trees for the food we eat. We have come to start the process of greening the Issele-Uku Palace in anticipation of the aesthetic landscape it deserves.
“With us for this tree-planting project are fruit trees, environmental trees and economic trees, strategically selected to enhance the palace landscape.
“Don’t also forget that the movement of cattle herders from the North to the South means that desertification is here with us. We need to urgently start supporting our environment with trees that can help mitigate the encroachment,” Jibunoh affirmed.
In his response, the appreciative Obi Nduka commended Jibunoh for taking the initiative to beautify and enhance the palace landscape. He also praised the environmentalist for demonstrating his enduring respect and commitment to the kingdom that honoured him with the title of Obasogie almost 40 years ago.
The exercise provided a memorable experience, as the palace grounds were transformed with the planting of trees and flowers. As the new plants take root and blossom over time, they are expected to enhance the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of the royal palace.
The initiative also underscored the importance of incorporating environmental conservation into cultural and traditional institutions, while providing a lasting green legacy in commemoration of the Obi’s 10th Ine Aho Festival anniversary.
