By Obi Blessing, Abuja
In a spirited celebration of World Cleanup Day 2024, the bustling city of Abuja came alive with a collective push towards a cleaner environment on September 21. Organised by the Clean Technology Hub in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden, Ecobarter, Recycling Alliance, and other partners, the event featured a 4-kilometer cleanup walk, gathering citizens and environmental champions alike.
The walk commenced from Conoil at Jabi Motor Park, stretching to the serene Jabi Lake, with enthusiastic volunteers filling the streets. Notable attendees included the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hanh-Englund, and the Managing Director of Seven-Up Bottling Company, Ziad Maalouf, along with his dedicated team. Their presence signified the critical involvement of both international and corporate bodies in addressing Nigeria’s growing waste management challenge.
To ensure the well-being of the participants, the Health Services and Environment Secretariat provided free health checkups, underscoring the importance of holistic care in such environmental initiatives.
The day culminated in a vibrant exhibition by waste-to-health entrepreneurs, who displayed innovative and creative solutions to Nigeria’s waste crisis. From turning discarded plastic into eco-friendly products to converting waste materials into sustainable energy sources, the entrepreneurs highlighted the potential for economic growth within the environmental sector.
Ambassador Annika Hanh-Englund praised the initiative, stating, “It is inspiring to see the collaboration between local communities, international organizations, and businesses in tackling the waste problem in Nigeria. Together, we can create a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.”
The event not only raised awareness about environmental cleanliness but also encouraged sustainable practices by demonstrating how waste can be transformed into valuable resources. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community-driven solutions to the global waste crisis and emphasized the role of innovation in environmental sustainability.
With the joint efforts of various stakeholders, this year’s World Cleanup Day in Abuja stands as a testament to what can be achieved when diverse forces come together for the common good.
