- Enugu-born environmentalist, Michael Odenigbo attempts Guinness World Record by planting 24,877 in 24 hours
- Mr. Odenigbo is yet to be officially declared by the GWR is the current record holder
- He advises Nigerian to be positive-minded as they go out in search of their daily bread
On June 5, 2025, Michael Odenigbo, an Enugu born environmentalist took the world by the storm by smashing the curren Guinness World Record holder Antonie Moussa by planting 24,877 plants in 24 hours.
The current holder Antonie Moussa, planted 23,060 in 2023 to clinch the prestigious award.
Though the GWR is yet to official confirm Mr. Michael Odenigbo as the current record holder, there has been jubilation and hope that he will get the award.
However, our reporter caught with Mr. Odenigbo Enugu where they had a hearty chat and his next project.
Briefly tell us about yourself
My name is Michael Odenigbo, I’m a Environmental/climate Advocate from Enugu State. I have a B.A in philosophy from University of Calabar, with key interest in Environmental Philosophy. I have been into environmental/climate Advocacy right from my teenage time. However, I developed a formal interest in it during my NYSC service where I joined and later served as the President of the Environmental Protection and Sanitation CDS group in Uyo, Akwaibom State.
Recently, you made an attempt to break Guinness World Record by planting 27, 000 in 24 hours what motivated you to carry out this project?
The correct figure I planted is 24,877 tress. Though my target initially was to plant 27,000 trees, but I’m glad I surpassed the current record which is 23,060 trees. Hence, I did not only break the current record, I was able to set a distant pace at 24,877. What motivated me is my love for nature, and my passion towards environmental conservation. For example; I may not be able to play football for a full time, but I can spend a whole day planting trees. It is the passion that drives me.
Tell us, what do you stand to gain from achieving this feat?
What I stand to gain is a feeling of fulfillment. I have always loved nature, and clamoured for a greener planet. Seeing how viral this attempt is going and the awareness it’s creating is enough to make me feel fulfilled in my quest, knowing that I not only made physical impact, I also made a pro-environmental psychological impact especially among young people.
You will agree with me that this is physically tasking project, how did you get the strength to carry out this project?
Passion; like I said earlier, I can spend the whole day planting. This is because it’s something I love doing. My strength came from passion and God that strengthens me.
Is there any time you thought of quitting the project?
Yes! There are many times I thought of that, starting from the planning stage to the deal day, especially when substantial support wasn’t forthcoming. The only thing that kept me going was the passion, especially when I remember the impact this project will make in Enugu State and the nation at large.
How much did you spend in the project?
Starting from when we started nursing the seedlings, I personally spent about 2 million naira. Then the support I got from various individuals amounted to about 1 million naira. This was possible to be enough because we had to remove some important but not too important items from the planning. Currently we are working to sustain those young trees to ensure they survive and thrive. Hence, expenses continues. And we hope the state government will aid us to achieve this.
How much sponsorship did you get in the project?
From all the formal applications we made, we were able to get two companies; Toolz.ng and Ogbu Agros who provided us with some of the logistics we needed as a means to support the project. Other supports were from few individuals who donated financially to support.
How many did you eventually plant?
After the counting of the collated records by the independent witnesses, the number I planted was summed to be 24,877 trees between 4:10pm 5th June to 4:10pm 6th June.
What tree did you actually plant?
I planted moringa trees throughout.
Why did you decide to plant moringa tree instead of some trees like palm trees, coco nut and other trees that the south east zone is known for?
I chose moringa tree not only because of its economic values, but because of its environmental value in terms of having high capacity in sequestrating carbon.
Where did you do the planting project?
The planting took place on a 4 hectares of land provided by and within Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani.
Have you received any acknowledgement letter from GWR since the execution of the project?
We are working on uploading all the evidence required, which after that GWR will review and give their official reply.
What other projects apart from the GWR are we looking out for you?
Once we are done taking care of the planted moringa trees till they fully establish their root system, I will be embark on my 5 million trees vision 2030. I intend to achieve planting 5 million trees with my team across various states in Nigeria.
What is your word of advice for Nigerian youths who are losing hope daily as a result of economic and political situation in the country?
My word of advice is that they should keep hope alive and be the change they desire. What our nation is going through is not new in the world, and we’ll definitely overcome with time and efforts.