DDI Leads Umuode Community in Mother Earth Day Palm Tree Planting at BON Progress Park

Umuode, Enugu State — Dewdrop Institute, a City & Guilds International (UK) accredited vocational training institute in Health & Social Care and Hospitality, today partnered with the Umuode community to commemorate Mother Earth Day with the official planting of 160 palm trees at the newly unveiled BON Progress Park. This landmark event underscores Dewdrop Institute’s commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and hands‑on environmental stewardship.

“Today, we plant more than trees—we plant hope,” proclaimed Mrs. Agatha Nnaji, Executive Director of the Dewdrop Foundation, as she opened the planting ceremony. “As an institute dedicated to building both professional skills and stronger communities, Dewdrop is proud to lead an initiative that nurtures ecological resilience and economic opportunity.”

The BON Progress Park—envisioned as an integrated green space for recreation, learning, and economic development—was formally introduced by Prof. Barth “Onwa” Nnaji, Founding Board Member of Dewdrop Group. He highlighted the park’s role as an “ecosystem of peace,” where every element, from palm fronds to by‑products, can generate sustainable livelihoods. Prof. Nnaji also announced an upcoming collaboration with Rev. Fr. Godfrey Nzamujo of Songhai Farm (Benin Republic), aiming to implement zero‑waste agricultural practices in Umuode.

Mrs. Nnaji elaborated on the GHEESS Project—Government, Health, Education, Environment, Skills, and Security (Food Security)—which Dewdrop Institute champions as a comprehensive model for community development. By integrating vocational training in Health & Social Care and Hospitality with environmental action, the Institute seeks to equip local residents with both practical skills and a deep sense of stewardship.

The arrival of HRH the Igwe of Umuode and his council lent regal gravitas to the occasion. Following a traditional kolanut‑breaking ceremony, His Majesty expressed gratitude to Dewdrop Institute: “This is not just about trees. This is about transforming Umuode into a destination for sustainable tourism and community wellbeing.”

The President General of Umuode further unveiled plans to name village streets after economic trees—“Ora Tree Street,” “Tangerine Street,” and “Mango Street”—cementing the connection between ecological assets and local identity.

Also present at the event were representatives of IMT: Dr. Ayo Adewunmi, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Mr. Fide Udenta, the HOD Fine Art, and Mr. Moses Ibanga an Artist. IMT and DDI are in a strategic partnership to enhance workforce skills and elevate service delivery in Nigeria’s hospitality and care industry. Speaking at the event, Dr. Ayo Adewunmi, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, expressed delight at the cozy ambience of the BON Progress Park. He showed his gratitude to Dewdrop Group, the Igwe of Umuode and his cabinet for such a remarkable initiative. He promised that IMT will continue to support Dewdrop Group to achieve its goals.

Rev. Sis. Catherine the Project Coordinator DDF Skill Acquisition Centre Umuode and a local Rev. Father led prayers urging political, business, and youth stakeholders to safeguard the planet. Children as young as four joined elders over seventy in planting—symbolizing Dewdrop Institute’s mission to foster intergenerational collaboration and lifelong learning.

With 160 of 360 prepared tree pits planted today, Dewdrop Institute invites further partners, alumni, and community members to join in completing the full groves at BON Progress Park. This initiative not only enhances Enugu State’s natural heritage but also provides living laboratories for Dewdrop’s accredited Health & Social Care and Hospitality training programs—ensuring students graduate with both technical expertise and a passion for sustainable development.