Micheal Odenigbo, a prominent Nigerian environmental advocate, has officially shattered the Guinness World Record for the most trees planted by an individual within 24 hours. His groundbreaking effort saw him plant more than 25,000 trees at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Agbani, in an initiative that aligned with World Environment Day on June 5, 2025.

The record-breaking tree-planting campaign kicked off just after 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, and concluded precisely 24 hours later on Friday, June 6. This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous benchmark set by Canadian environmentalist Antoine Moses, who had held the title with 23,060 trees planted in a single day.

Aiming for Sustainability and Awareness

In an interview with CGTN Europe shortly after completing the project, Odenigbo expressed confidence in surpassing the existing record. “Today, as you can see, we carried out a tree-planting initiative that started on World Environment Day, June 5. Our goal was to plant 27,000 trees. Although we haven’t counted every single one yet, we know that we’ve exceeded the previous record by surpassing 25,000 trees. The next step is submitting all the evidence to Guinness World Records for official validation,” he said.

Odenigbo’s bold target of 27,000 trees was not just a symbolic gesture—it also adhered to strict Guinness World Record guidelines. These rules mandated that every tree be manually planted in freshly dug holes using no machinery, making the task even more challenging and physically demanding.

Tree Species and Ecological Impact

The species chosen for the massive planting operation was Moringa oleifera, a resilient, fast-growing tree known for its numerous environmental and nutritional benefits. Often referred to as the “miracle tree,” moringa is lauded for its ability to combat malnutrition, purify water, and improve soil fertility. Moreover, it is drought-resistant, making it a practical choice for long-term sustainability across different climatic zones in Nigeria.

This strategic choice of tree highlights the dual goals of Odenigbo’s project: not only setting a world record but also contributing meaningfully to climate resilience, reforestation, and the fight against desertification in Nigeria.

Backed by Academia and Guided by Vision

The event was hosted on a four-hectare site within the ESUT campus—land provided with full support from the university’s administration. Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, Vice Chancellor of ESUT, welcomed the initiative as a perfect alignment with the school’s Green Revolution and Environmental Sustainability Programme.

He praised Odenigbo’s vision, stating, “This initiative speaks volumes about youth engagement in the climate conversation. It resonates deeply with our institution’s commitment to research-driven environmental solutions and positions ESUT as a hub for sustainable development.”

In line with Guinness World Records’ requirements, the trees must be maintained for a minimum of three months to ensure they establish roots and survive beyond the ceremonial event.

Rigorous Documentation and Verification Process

Guinness World Records provisionally accepted the attempt on January 14, 2025, under the category “Most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours.” The project carried reference number 241216003153mtpb.

To ensure compliance, Odenigbo and his team undertook meticulous documentation of the event. This included:

• Continuous video and photographic evidence,

• Maintenance of detailed logbooks,

• Inclusion of at least two rotating independent witnesses (every four hours),

• Presence of a certified botanist or arborist for technical verification.

Despite the physical demands, Odenigbo followed the event’s rules, only taking brief rest breaks throughout the 24-hour non-stop planting.

Inspiring a Greener Future

Odenigbo’s achievement is more than a personal triumph; it reflects the growing momentum behind climate action in Africa. Nigeria, often plagued by deforestation and climate vulnerability, is in urgent need of such grassroots-led environmental efforts.

By successfully executing this record-breaking project, Odenigbo has not only drawn international attention to the role of individual responsibility in climate action but also set a bold example for future environmentalists, both in Nigeria and beyond.

His dedication, determination, and focus on ecological sustainability have resonated with local communities, government officials, and environmental advocates, reinforcing the importance of reforestation as a frontline strategy in the global battle against climate change.

A Call for Broader Engagement

While the accomplishment is momentous, Odenigbo emphasized that breaking a record is not the end goal. “This is just the beginning,” he stated. “We need to see environmental action embedded in our national consciousness. If every individual and institution makes a commitment to planting and nurturing even a small number of trees, we can reverse environmental degradation in our lifetime.”

He also appealed to government agencies, corporate bodies, and NGOs to support climate education, green jobs, and afforestation projects, especially among young people in rural and urban areas.

Conclusion: Legacy of Growth and Environmental Leadership

Micheal Odenigbo’s 24-hour feat of planting over 25,000 trees in Enugu is a milestone not just in the Guinness Book of World Records, but in Nigeria’s environmental history. It highlights how individual initiative, community collaboration, and institutional support can intersect to drive impactful climate action.

As the world contends with worsening ecological crises, this landmark achievement serves as a timely reminder that local action can indeed have global significance. By combining endurance, environmental science, and community mobilization, Odenigbo has sowed not just seeds in the soil—but seeds of hope for the planet.