By Mary Agidi

To commemorate World Environment Day, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Youth Nigeria organised a National Green Campaign across the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT to advocate for a cleaner and more sustainable environment through collaboration with stakeholders in environmental health awareness.

In Ondo State, the campaign was carried out by SDSN Changemakers with a walk from First Bank, Alagbaka, to Oja-Oba, where it culminated in a clean-up exercise to sensitise market traders on the need to stop indiscriminate dumping of waste.

The campaign was in collaboration with the State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA), Waste Management Authority, Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC), Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Ondo State Youths Network (OSYN), Slum and Rural Health Initiative, Crest FM, JATS Communications, Creative Reuse, and the CDS SDG group of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Addressing the marketers, the campaign team lead, Miss Mary Agidi, explained that the purpose of the exercise was to demonstrate the importance of individual responsibility in ensuring a cleaner environment for healthier living.

She noted that SDSN Youth Nigeria is a youth arm of the United Nations focused on grooming youths to become selfless leaders, adding that the clean-up exercise reflected their commitment to promoting a sustainable environment.

She appealed to the market traders to stop polluting their surroundings with waste and to instead make use of waste bins and nylon bags, properly disposing of them in government-provided bins located around the market.

Also speaking, the second team lead, Miss Anuoluwapo Adelehin, enlightened participants on turning waste into wealth, noting that many used items can be recycled for economic benefit.

Officials of the Waste Management Authority joined the SDSN Changemakers in sensitising the traders in multiple local languages, including Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Akure dialect, and Ijaw.

Partners’ Reactions

OSEPA – In her address during the event, the Administrative Secretary of OSEPA, Mrs. Funke Adeoye, urged citizens to become “environmental police” by avoiding improper waste disposal, especially of plastic materials.

Referencing the theme of this year’s celebration, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” she warned that harmful substances—including toxins, heavy metals, and biophenols—are released when plastics are disposed of indiscriminately. These, she said, have been linked to serious health conditions.

“Whatever we give to the environment comes back to us. Let’s protect our environment today so it can protect us tomorrow,” she asserted.

Waste Management Authority– Also speaking, Mrs. Omoloye Titilayo from the Department of Enlightenment and Community Mobilisation described the initiative as a citizen-driven effort that complements government action. She commended SDSN Youth Nigeria for successfully mobilising partners and noted that the exercise demonstrated the power of partnership in driving community development.

YALI – The Ondo State Coordinator of the Young African Leaders Initiative Network (YALI), who also coordinates the Slum and Rural Rights Initiative, Mr. Emmanuel Adamolekun, expressed delight over the collaboration. He emphasised the need for continued collective efforts to sustain the environment.

He noted that although the state government, through the Waste Management Authority and OSEPA, is making efforts toward a cleaner environment, waste management remains a major challenge.

“It is beyond government efforts. We, the citizens, need to work hand-in-hand with the government to stop indiscriminate dumping of waste,” he said.

“As youth-led organisations, we believe environmental health directly impacts community health. Taking a stand against this menace is necessary, and we’re proud to be part of this advocacy walk.”

He added, “We need more public sensitisation in local dialects to ensure proper understanding. This should not be a one-time event. Awareness campaigns should be held periodically—monthly, if possible.”

Ondo State Youths Network (OSYN) – Comrade Afe Ezekiel Adegboyega, Coordinator of OSYN, described the campaign as timely and impactful.

“This is the kind of programme we need, especially in Akure, considering the state of sanitation in recent months. I commend the organisers for engaging the public in different languages to ensure the message was well received,” he said.

He also called on more youth organisations and agencies to collaborate for broader community awareness, adding, “This will lead to a cleaner Ondo State.”

Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) – Mrs. Odeyemi Oluwakemi, Programme Specialist on Environment and Climate at K&TRC, described the National Green Walk as a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved through collective action.

“This rally is not only about raising awareness on plastic pollution and indiscriminate waste disposal but also highlights the strength of unity across youth groups, NGOs, and government bodies. We at K&TRC look forward to more opportunities to educate the public and protect our planet. Kudos to the host,” she said.

The exercise, which had about 100 participants, featured a market clean-up from Obanla Junction to Araromi Junction in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Report compiled & edited by Mary Agidi