By Big3Africa Correspondent
A Nigerian climate advocate, Michael Odenigbo, may soon find his name in the Guinness World Records, if verification confirms he successfully planted over 25,000 trees in just 24 hours.
The tree-planting marathon took place on June 5, 2025, coinciding with World Environment Day, at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) in Agbani, Enugu State.
Odenigbo aimed to beat the current world record of 23,060 trees, set by Canadian environmentalist Antoine Moses back in July 2021. And according to Odenigbo, he did just that.
Speaking to CGTN Europe after the event, Odenigbo said he had not only surpassed the previous record but had set his sights on 27,000 trees, planted entirely by hand, as required by Guinness World Records rules.
The attempt, officially recognized by Guinness on January 14, 2025, was registered under the title “Most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours.” And the rules were strict: every tree had to be planted in a hole dug at the moment with no machinery allowed.
According to Sahara Reporters, the effort focused on planting Moringa oleifera, a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree prized for both its ecological benefits and nutritional value.
The record-setting attempt had to be meticulously documented, with videos, photos, logbooks, and official verification by two independent witnesses, including a certified botanist or arborist. Witnesses also had to rotate shifts every four hours to ensure continuous oversight.
While rest breaks were allowed, the planting had to continue non-stop over the full 24-hour period.
If Guinness confirms his achievement, Odenigbo will go down in history as the new world record holder for the most trees planted by one person in a single day, an impressive feat of endurance, commitment, and climate action.
