A youth-led environmental organisation, Green Globe Initiative, on Friday, September 15, 2023, embarked on a climate awareness march to sensitise the public on climate and environmental sustainability.
The Founder, Green Globe Initiative, Mr Akintola Akinyemi, led the Nigeria Climate Awareness March in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Akinyemi called on the public to be conscious of indiscriminate dumping of refuse, so as to avoid blocking the waterways.
He described the march as a global event, saying that the event was taking place in 15 states of the country simultaneously.
“This is the time to be aware of our environment and be passionate about sanitation and hygiene.
“We need to be sensitive about our environment and desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
“We should also be informed on how we manage our waste. Let us work together as agents of safe environment.
“Enough of our nonchalant approach to our environment. Stop putting your solid wastes in the drain. Prioritise safety first before your business and other things,” he counselled.
Akinyemi explained that in year 2022, 32 out of 36 states experienced massive flood in Nigeria, noting that this called for urgent preventive measures.
The founder warned that erosion and flood are harmful to lives, infrastructure and businesses.
He called on government at all levels to put in place a strong policy to enforce cooperation from the public, and advocated for a harsh punishment and fines for violators who endangered lives.
“Government should prioritise public safety and safe environment. Be harsh on violators and ensure workable policies are in place,” Akinyemi stressed.
The awareness march began at Post office’s “Soludero Park”, and covered some busy areas of Ilorin such as CBN, Muritala, Yoruba Road, Challenge, Unity Road and Maraba.
Participants in the awareness march included representatives from the Kwara Ministry of Environment, University of Ilorin, Kwara Polytechnic, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and others.
By Toba Ajayi
