World Clean-up Day: Stakeholders Calls for Cleaner, Sustainable Environment
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Stakeholders in the environment sector have called for collaborative efforts in ensuring a clean and sustainable environment.
The stakeholders, who spoke during the clean up Ilorin exercise in Commemoration of the World Cleanup Day 2024, said there is the need for sustainable waste management practices for a clean environment.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event with the theme ”Arctic Cities and Marine Litter” was organised by SustyVibes Kwara.
It is aimed at raising awareness about the global waste crisis and advocate for sustainable waste management practices.
SustyVibes Kwara Community Manager, Mr Olaide Olawuwo said the World Cleanup Day serves as a powerful reminder of its shared responsibility to create cleaner, more sustainable communities.
He said the programme aimed to highlight the environmental and economic impact of waste mismanagement.
Mr Olawuwo said this prompted the organisation to mobilize community members to clean up public spaces and adopt sustainable practices.
”Building sustainable communities is everyone’s responsibility and we are trying to encourage civic responsibility and volunteerism in tackling waste issues.
”We are grateful to all volunteers and partners as this can only be achieved through collaboration,” he said.
Mr Abdulazeez Ishola, from the Office of the SSA to the Governor on SDGs said, the government is proud to support youth-led initiatives like this.
Mr Ishola reiterated the government’s support in advocating for a sustainable environment.
Curator, Ilorin Global Shapers, Salmah Abdulrahman commended the organizers and partners for walking the talk towards ensuring a clean and sustainable environment.
Perekosufa Obudah, Kwara NYSC SDGs CDS Ilorin President said it was important to spread the lesson learnt to make a difference in the society.
NAN reports that the event involved a cleanup of 12 major roads in Ilorin, locations such as Unity Road, Muritala Muhammed Way, Sulu Gambari Road, and Maraba.
Volunteers were equipped with gloves, waste bags, rakes, brooms, reflective jackets, and SDG placards, provided by SustyVibes and partners.
They collected 40 waste bags (165 kg) filled with plastics, nylon, PET bottles, and papers.
Sensitization efforts reached hundreds of Ilorin residents, fostering a greater understanding of environmental stewardship.
In addition to waste collection, participants engaged with community members, educating them on proper waste disposal practices and the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
NAN also reports that there were over 100 volunteers from four Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara.
The participants were drawn from organizations such as YALI Kwara, Ilorin Global Shapers, Kwara Ministry of Environment, and Kwara NYSC CDS, all working in partnership with SustyVibes.
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