By Tosin Olasehinde
As part of events set aside to mark the 2023 World Environment Day, members of a non-governmental organization, Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) chapter in partnership with Weather Reporters Club, at the weekend, carried out a clean-up exercise as they cleared refuse heap at Tanke area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
Climate News Ng gathered that the intervention by the two organisations followed series of complaints and calls by residents on relevant government agencies to evacuate the garbage that has been at these places for weeks, raising concerns over possible health hazard it could cause.
The BBYDI Global Director, Abideen Olasupo explained that the clean-up exercise, which was carried out by some volunteers from the NGO, was aimed at promoting environmental cleanliness and creating awareness on the need to keep the environment clean.
He expressed worry over the impacts of indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the environment, noting that it could lead to environmental degradation and health hazards.
Olasupo commended the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency, KWEPA, for providing it with truck with which the refuse was conveyed to the dump site. He also called for public participation in keeping public spaces clean.
Also speaking President BBYDI UNILORIN Chapter Olayide Soaga, who expressed delight about the turn out, commended the efforts of the volunteers and the NGO.
The exercise was well received by residents of Ilorin, with some expressed their willingness to join the NGO in future exercises, while others called on the government to provide more waste disposal facilities and enforce environmental laws.
The exercise by is part of a global effort to promote environmental sustainability and encourage individuals and organizations to take responsibility for their environment.
Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and celebrated annually on 5 June since 1973, the World Environment Day is a day set aside to promote environmental awareness and encourage action towards environmental protection.
