As Abuja Turns 50, NIPR FCT Leads Fresh Push for a Greener Capital City
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), FCT Chapter, on Wednesday unveiled the “Flame of the Forest” as Abuja’s symbolic tree as part of activities marking the chapter’s “35th anniversary”.
The announcement was made during a commemorative tree-planting ceremony held at the loop of the Wuye Bridge Interchange in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NIPR FCT Chapter, Mr. Stanley Ogadigo, said the exercise reflects the institute’s renewed commitment to environmental stewardship and civic responsibility in the Federal Capital Territory.
Ogadigo explained that the tree-planting initiative forms a key component of the chapter’s “Societal Impact Programme”, which is being implemented in partnership with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
He added that the chapter will also rehabilitate and brand select bus stops and donate NIPR publications to the National Assembly Library as part of its anniversary activities.
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He commended the FCTA for its ongoing infrastructural development, noting that the transformation of the capital city demonstrates Abuja’s steady progress toward its vision of becoming a world-class city.
“As Abuja marks its 50th anniversary next year, we are proud to have been part of its growth,” Ogadigo said.
“The NIPR was among the earliest professional bodies to take root here, and our members have consistently contributed to the city’s reputation as a symbol of national unity and inclusion.”
He said the choice of the Flame of the Forest was deliberate, describing it as one of the most iconic and resilient elements of Abuja’s natural landscape.
He noted that cities around the world celebrate their own symbolic trees—from Dubai’s Date Palm to Athens’ Olive Tree and New York’s Elm—and Abuja deserves to showcase its own environmental identity.
According to him, the NIPR FCT Chapter will institutionalise annual environmental programmes focused on tree planting, advocacy on sustainable development and the promotion of Abuja’s boulevards and avenues as some of the finest in Africa.
The chapter also announced the christening of the Wuye Bridge loop as “Numero Uno Avenue”, which it has adopted for continuous planting, beautification and maintenance.
The brief ceremony was attended by members of the NIPR, officials of the FCTA and invited guests.
