Africa Cleanup Initiative in collaboration with Providus Bank and other environmental advocates on Saturday defied the heavy downpour in Lagos to stage a Walk for Sustainability and Recycling.
Newsmen reports that the walk was part of activities to mark the 2025 World Environment Day and also to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Africa Cleanup Initiative, a foremost environmental NGO.
Speaking at the event, Dr Alex Akhigbe, Executive Director, ACI, noted that the ‘Walk for Sustainability and Recycling’ was ACI’s event to commemorate 2025 World Environment Day.
“It also focuses on creating awareness why people should get involved in issues that pertain to the environment.
“No amount of advocacy is enough. If we don’t take action and do something positive to reduce the rate of plastics in the environment it is going to have an adverse effect on the environment.
“We are calling on everybody to see the fight against plastic pollution in the society as everybody’s responsibility; and not just the government alone.
“Let us take action; let us dispose our plastics properly and stepdown plastic pollution. let us manage our waste.
“When everyone of us become a voice when it comes to plastic pollution issues, you will see that the impact will be reduced in the environment we live,” Akhigbe said.
He stressed that the 2025 World Environment Day theme focused on beating plastic pollution.
He said that it was amazing to see more than 100 volunteers turned out even inside the rain.
“We walked from TBS through Broad Street to CMS; as we walked, we picked plastics on the way.
“It amazes me to see a huge number of volunteers turn up for issues concerning the environment,” Akhigbe said.
Also Patriciaclaire Iwhewhe of the sustainability department of Providus Bank said that she and her team were excited to join the advocacy on environmental sustainability with ACI.
Iwhewhe called on Lagos residents to join the train and advocate for the environment through behavioural change towards waste management and environmental sanitation.
Joseph Odey Eneji of the E-Business team at Providus Bank said that it was a privilege to be part of the Sustainability and Recycling Walk in partnership with ACI
Eneji said that despite the rain, the bank was able to bring out people enmasse to join in the advocacy for sustainability and a cleaner environment.
Dr Femi Adegoke, Special Adviser to the Minister of Health on “One Health” said that he was privileged to join the Africa Cleanup Initiative on its Recycling and Sustainability Walk in commemoration of ACI’s 15 years anniversary and World Environment Day.
Adegoke said it was inspiring to walk alongside passionate environmental advocates, all committed to a cleaner, greener and healthier environment for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
“I as a environmental sustainability leader and a public health advocate find this occasion very inspiring, very encouraging, walking from TBS through Broad Street to CMS and turning back.
“Advocating and creating awareness on clean sanitation, beating the plastic pollution in commemoration of this year’s World Environment Day.
“Let’s keep pushing for sustainable action. Every step counts,” Adegoke said.
Newsmen reports that the walk was graced by staffers of ACI, environmental advocates and volunteers.
They defied the heavy downpour to stage the walk and advocate for environmental sustainability.
