Some stakeholders in the environment sector on Thursday, October 3, 2024, in Ilorin, Kwara State, 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 Clean-up Day 2024, said there was the need for sustainable waste management practices for a clean environment.
The event, which had “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter” as its theme was organised by SustyVibes Kwara.
It was aimed at raising awareness about global waste crisis and it advocated for sustainable waste management practices.
SustyVibes Kwara Community Manager, Mr Olaide Olawuwo, said the World Clean-up Day serves as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility to create cleaner, more sustainable communities.
He said the programme aimed to highlight the environmental and economic impact of waste mismanagement.
Olawuwo said this prompted the organisation to mobilise 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 Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said government was proud to support youth-led initiatives like the exercise.
Ishola reiterated government’s support in advocating for a sustainable environment.
The Curator, of Ilorin Global Shapers, Salmah Abdulrahman, also commended the organisers 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.
The event involved a clean-up of 12 major roads in Ilorin, including 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.
Sensitisation 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.
There were over 100 volunteers from four Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara.
The participants were drawn from organisations such as YALI Kwara, Ilorin Global Shapers, Kwara State Ministry of Environment and Kwara NYSC CDS, all working in partnership with SustyVibes.
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
