Group leads cleanup drive to curb plastic pollution in Edo
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- JCI EdoBronze and Kyrus Recycling Agency organized a cleanup drive in Edo State, Nigeria, to combat plastic pollution along the Ikpoba River.
- The initiative, held on the state's monthly sanitation day, involved volunteers and partner organizations to remove refuse and raise environmental awareness.
- Organizers emphasized the need for continuous environmental education and community participation to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability.
Environmental advocates and volunteers in Nigeria's Edo State joined forces for a significant cleanup operation targeting plastic pollution along the Ikpoba River. The initiative, a collaboration between JCI EdoBronze and Kyrus Recycling Agency, aimed to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The cleaning was successful due to the dedication and collaborative efforts of volunteers, stakeholders, environmental advocates, community members, and other partner organisations.
The cleaning exercise took place on the state's designated monthly sanitation day, focusing on the area from 3rd Junction to Ramat Park. Organizers highlighted the critical need to address the accumulation of dirt and plastics in and around the Ikpoba River, a vital waterway in Benin City.
Akin-Ola Eloghosa, President of JCI EdoBronze, expressed satisfaction with the event's success, attributing it to the dedicated efforts of volunteers, stakeholders, environmental advocates, and partner organizations. He noted the support from the Edo State Ministry of Environment, Vine Stability Initiative, and YALI Network Edo, who contributed resources and expertise.
Apart from the Kyrus Recycling Agency, he noted that the Edo State Ministry of Environment, Vine Stability Initiative, and YALI Network Edo contributed their time, resources, and expertise towards achieving the objectives of the initiative.
Eloghosa stressed that such cleanups are part of JCI EdoBronze's commitment to human duty and environmental responsibility. He called for ongoing environmental education, increased community involvement, and sustained efforts to curb plastic pollution. Residents were encouraged to adopt proper waste disposal habits and become champions of environmental sustainability in their neighborhoods.
Eloghosa emphasised the need for continuous environmental education, stronger community participation, and sustained efforts towards reducing plastic pollution within communities.
The initiative underscored the global challenge of plastic pollution, particularly in water bodies, which leads to contamination, flooding, and harm to ecosystems and human health. The project combined physical cleanup with public sensitization, reinforcing the importance of collective action for a healthier environment.
He encouraged residents to embrace proper waste disposal practices and become advocates for environmental sustainability within their respective neighbourhoods.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.