In an awe-inspiring display of determination, environmental passion, and patriotic pride, Nigerian climate advocate Micheal Odenigbo has etched his name into history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours. The record-breaking feat—over 25,000 trees—was accomplished at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Agbani, marking a powerful celebration of World Environment Day, June 5, 2025.
The epic undertaking began shortly after 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, and concluded at approximately 4 p.m. the following day—24 hours of relentless planting powered solely by human effort and sheer will.
Odenigbo’s goal was clear and ambitious: to surpass the previous world record of 23,060 trees set by Canadian environmentalist Antoine Moses. Armed with grit, passion, and a dedicated team of volunteers, the Nigerian environmentalist aimed for an astonishing 27,000 trees. Though the final count is still under verification, Odenigbo confidently confirmed that over 25,000 trees were successfully planted, making the record-breaking attempt a resounding success.
> “Today, as you can see, we did a tree-planting project which kicked off on World Environment Day, June 5th. I don’t know how much we planted exactly, but our aim was 27,000. What I do know is, we’ve surpassed 25,000. We have broken the record,” Odenigbo told CGTN Europe, eyes gleaming with pride. “What remains now is to upload the evidence to Guinness World Records.”
The feat, which was hosted on a four-hectare parcel of land provided by ESUT, was not just about numbers—it was about impact. The trees planted were primarily Moringa oleifera, known for their fast growth, drought resistance, and immense ecological and nutritional value. It was a bold statement of what dedicated individuals can do in the fight against climate change, deforestation, and environmental degradation.
The record-breaking effort wasn’t a spontaneous sprint—it was a meticulously planned and tightly regulated process. Guinness World Records officially accepted the attempt on January 14, 2025, under the title “Most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours”, with reference number 241216003153mtpb. Strict rules had to be adhered to:
Each tree had to be planted in a freshly dug hole using manual methods only—no machinery allowed.
The planting process had to be non-stop for 24 hours, with short breaks allowed.
Every tree planted was thoroughly documented using photographs, videos, and logbooks.
A team of at least two independent witnesses, including a certified botanist or arborist, had to verify the process, rotating every four hours to ensure accuracy and objectivity.
The record-setting event had the blessing and backing of ESUT’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, who hailed it as a major boost to the university’s Green Revolution and Environmental Sustainability Programme. He lauded Odenigbo’s initiative, saying it aligned with ESUT’s vision of becoming a center for ecological transformation and climate resilience.
As a further commitment to sustainability, the university has vowed to ensure that all trees planted during the marathon will be nurtured and maintained for a minimum of three months, with the potential for long-term conservation.
This historic achievement not only highlights Odenigbo’s unshakable resolve but also places Nigeria firmly on the global map of environmental innovation and leadership. His act stands as a call to action—urging young Africans and climate activists worldwide to believe in the power of individual action.
As the Guinness World Records team finalizes the verification process, one thing is certain: Micheal Odenigbo has planted far more than trees—he’s sown a legacy.
PIONEER NEWS 