Health
Group leads cleanup drive to curb plastic pollution in Edo
Adeyinka Adedipe
To align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the JCI EdoBronze and Kyrus Recycling Agency collaborated on a one-day cleaning initiative to rid Edo State of refuse, especially plastics.
The cleaning exercise, held on the monthly sanitation day in the state, started from the 3rd Junction to Ramat Park, with the primary aim of combating the dirt on the Ikpoba River and its environment in Benin City.
Speaking of the initiative in a statement on Thursday, President, JCI EdoBronze, Akin-Ola Eloghosa, said the cleaning was successful due to the dedication and collaborative efforts of volunteers, stakeholders, environmental advocates, community members, and other partner organisations.
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 emphasised the need for continuous environmental education, stronger community participation, and sustained efforts towards reducing plastic pollution within communities.
While noting that efforts were on to ensure the cleaning comes up more often, he encouraged residents to embrace proper waste disposal practices and become advocates for environmental sustainability within their respective neighbourhoods.
He said the initiative formed part of JCI EdoBronze’s human duty project, reflecting the organisation’s dedication to the principles of human responsibility towards humanity, society, and the environment.
He added, “Beyond advocating for human rights, JCI strongly promotes human duties, the collective responsibility of individuals and organisations to preserve the environment, protect public health, and contribute positively to sustainable development.
“The cleaning that took place on Sanitation Day in Edo State took place from the 3rd Junction, through the Ikpoba River and its environment and extended to Ramat Park, where the new flyover is being constructed.
“Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges globally, particularly within water bodies and riverine communities.
“Improper disposal of plastics and other waste materials into rivers contributes significantly to water contamination, flooding, destruction of aquatic ecosystems, and health hazards affecting both humans and marine life.
“Recognising these challenges, the project focused not only on physical cleanup activities but also on public sensitisation and environmental advocacy.
“The project strongly aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he noted.
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