A Nigerian man recently took to social media to share an inspiring story from his secondary school days, highlighting a tree he planted over 15 years ago while he was in SS 1. The visit, which revisited his roots and his early contributions to environmental conservation, has since gone viral, capturing the attention of thousands of people online.
The moment was captured in a video posted on his TikTok account, @farmer olufad, which has garnered over 20,000 likes and countless comments from people expressing admiration for his foresight and dedication to the environment. The video shows the man returning to his alma mater to see the tree he planted all those years ago still standing strong and healthy.
Man Revisits Secondary School After 15 Years
In the now-viral TikTok video, the man, who is also a farmer, revealed that his secondary school was Alma Master in Lagos. He explained that the tree, a Gmelina arborea, was assigned to him as part of his responsibilities in a climate-change club. He added that he had been appointed head of this club, which was founded by the former Lagos State Governor, Raji Fashola, with the aim of promoting environmental awareness and action among students.
The farmer explained that although he initially intended to pursue a career in medicine, his experiences with the climate-change club inspired him to study forestry. Returning to his secondary school, he expressed immense joy and pride seeing the tree he nurtured for over 15 years, noting it as a testament to the long-lasting impact of early actions and visionary leadership.
Reflections on Purpose and Growth
According to @FarmerOlufad, the tree represents more than just a plant; it symbolizes the purpose and lessons he gained from his early engagement in environmental initiatives. Despite not winning any prizes for his efforts back then, he highlighted that the true reward was the development of a lifelong passion and sense of responsibility toward nature.
His words below…
“From secondary school days in 2009. When I headed the Climate Change Club founded by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, all we wanted was to plant a tree and win a prize. I didn’t win anything then, but I gained something bigger: purpose. Fifteen years later, I visited my alma mater and my Gmelina arborea is STILL standing tall. Proof that impacts outlive applause. I thought I wanted medicine, but God planted forestry in me and today, I’m grateful for the journey. Visionary leaders plant seeds, but time reveals their value.”
The video not only reflects the man’s personal growth but also emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship, long-term thinking, and the profound impact of nurturing small initiatives from an early age. Viewers have praised the man for his foresight, dedication, and the symbolic message of hope, persistence, and sustainability that his story conveys.
Watch video below…
@farmer.olufadFrom secondary school days in 2009. When I headed the Climate Change Club founded by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, all we wanted was to plant a tree and win a prize. I didn’t win anything then, but I gained something bigger: purpose. 🌍💚 15 years later, I visited my alma mater… and my Gmelina arborea is STILL standing tall. 🌳🔥 Proof that impacts outlive applause. I thought I wanted medicine, but God planted forestry in me. And today, I’m grateful for the journey. Visionary leaders plant seeds, but time reveals their value. #TreeStory #ClimateChangeWarrior #GreenerNigeria #ForestryLife #ClimateActionNow
♬ original sound – farmer olufad
This remarkable story serves as a reminder of how small actions in youth can leave lasting impacts, inspire others, and create a legacy of positive change for future generations.