As part of activities to mark the 2023 World Clean-up Day (WCD), the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has partnered TotalEnergies Marketing, Nigeria Plc., to plant 100 trees and clean-up some schools in Surulere, Lagos.
Every third Saturday in September is set aside by the global community to mark World Clean-up Day.
“Let’s Do it World,” is the theme of the 2023 WCD, to manage solid waste and clean up litter from forests, rivers, streets and beaches.
The Managing Director, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc., Dr Samba Seye, who spoke at an event at the Gbaja Senior Boys High School, Surulere, said the company was committed to environmental protection and climate action.
Represented by the General Manager (Commercials), TotalEnergies, Mrs Weruche Nwagbara, Seye said the objective of the clean-up initiative was to meet some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He expressed delight in partnering with NCF, experts in environmental conservation, in advocating for a circular economy and a cleaner environment for future generation.
He said that meeting some of the SDGs were at the heart of the company’s projects and partnerships in bringing about environmental sustainability and the protection of biodiversity.
According to him, TotalEnergies is intentional in advocating for climate action and reduction of pollution in the environment.
“Today, our employees in Lagos Kano and Benin, including station staff and volunteers are taking part in this important clean-up exercise in these locations.
“Also, we are planting 100 trees with students from the various schools taking responsibility for nurturing the trees, while we donate cleaning materials to them.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, we urge our communities to sustain these sustainable practices and ensure a cleaner world,” Seye said.
Also speaking, the Representative of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Adebukola Suberu, called for the proper disposal of waste in the metropolis.
Suberu urged the students to cultivate the habit of sorting their waste from sources.
According to her, improper handling of plastic waste leads to the blockage of drainages, which may also lead to flooding.
She advised the students to imbibe the culture of waste recycling.
The highlight of the event was the planting of trees within the school premises.
At the end of the clean-up exercise, 160kg of waste was collected and 20kg of plastic bottles.
