E Foundation Secures Edo State Backing for “Project One Million Fruit-Trees” Program

In a bold step towards tackling hunger, joblessness, and environmental degradation, the Edo State Government has officially approved the commencement of Project One Million Fruit-Trees, a flagship initiative of the Success Ehiremen Foundation (SE Foundation).

This pioneering project is set to transform lives by planting and nurturing one million fruit trees across 10 Nigerian states, starting with Edo as the first beneficiary. The initiative aims to feed over five million Nigerians, generate more than 9,000 jobs, and significantly combat climate change through large-scale carbon sequestration and environmental restoration.

While welcoming the project team, the Permanent Secretary ,Dr. Peter Aibuedefe Osagie; Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security expressed his excitement and that of the government over such a laudable initiative which he said is a timely intervention at a time like this when there is hunger adding that it aligns with the State’s programmes for the year and many residents of the state will be glad to benefit from the fruits that the trees will produce since it comes at no cost to them. He expressed the excitement of the State to host the project and pledged the support of the state towards its successful implementation.

According to the foundation, fruit trees such as mango, avocado, coconut, orange, cashew and soursop will be strategically planted in public and designated spaces, where they will be freely accessible to residents. The trees are expected to bear fruit for over 40 years, creating a lasting impact on local food security and ecosystem health.

“With just $12, we can plant and nurture a fruit tree for four years; transforming lives, creating jobs, and greening the planet,” said Success Ehiremen, Founder and Executive Director of SE Foundation. “Imagine what we can achieve together if we multiply that by a million.”

The project stands out not only for its environmental benefits but also for its direct socio-economic impact. Over 9,000 jobs—ranging from field operatives and interns to monitoring and documentation teams—will be created across communities involved in the project. The foundation also revealed plans for an innovative self-sustaining funding model involving harvest-based enterprise systems and community-driven maintenance strategies.

In light of the rising food insecurity affecting over 25 million Nigerians, increasing youth unemployment, and growing climate instability, Project One Million Fruit-Trees is being hailed as a timely and strategic intervention aligned with global goals like Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Decent Work (SDG 8), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

The SE Foundation is now calling on other State governments to indicate interest in hosting the project. Development agencies, corporate sponsors, philanthropists, and climate-conscious investors are also invited to partner in scaling this initiative across Nigeria. Nine more states will be selected through a transparent process based on climate suitability, need, and commitment to the program.

The public is encouraged to support the initiative by joining what the foundation describes as “a movement—not just a project.” Interested groups and individuals are invited to become part of this legacy of planting trees, growing hope, and building sustainable futures for generations to come.