Environmental NGO, Plogging Calls For More Eco-Friendly Actions: Organizes 3-Day Sensitization

By Efa Sunday

In pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (13), (14), and (15), Plogging Nigeria - a youth driven organization with a mission to promote sustainable environmental interactions in partnership with UNICEF have condemn in strong terms the constant human activities that have continued to pose risks to the environment, urging everyone to embrace eco-friendly lifestyle and reduce waste. 

Speaking at the Day one of its 3-day Awareness/Sensitization Program, the Executive Director, Plogging Nigeria, Mr Muyiwa Iyamolere cautioned that since all things are made from the environment including humans, we must therefore do all we can to protect the environment. 

Iyamolere opined that human activities such as indiscriminate dumping of plastic wastes, environmental pollution and deforestation adversely affect the environment, resulting in rising sea level, rising temperature, economic losses, droughts and so on.

In his words, "due to human activities, the climate is changing rapidly and it is posing seriously challenges to humans. The sea level is rising, economies of the world are nosediving, there is droughts, temperature is rising, etc.

"Humans use and litter plastics and then discard indiscriminately. These plastics take hundreds of years to decompose. The very first plastic that was made has not yet decomposed. These wastes stay on land, leading to erosion. They find their way to water bodies, destroying aquatic life, and some get air borne, posing series health risk. 

On the issue of deforestation, he urged Nigerians to "plan systematically before felling trees", adding that " abysmal tree cutting without systematic planning leads to soil, erosion, habitat loss and reduce oxygen generation."

As a call to action, the environmentalist implored all to refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and recover wastes instead of littering the environment with them. 

He equally called on all to plant more tress for any tree that is fell, while urging all to use less tree products. 

Speaking on behalf of the financial partner, Mrs Rebecca Bolatito- Gabriel, UNICEF WASH - Specialist, Enugu Office in her goodwill message appreciated the Cross River State government through the Ministry of Environment for their consistent support towards initiatives such as the Green Rising. 

Mrs Gabriel assured all that "UNICEF remains committed to ensuring that the environment is kept safe and livable", even as she names "pneumonia, respiratory infection, asthma and birth defects" as some diseases children are at risk of due to environmental pollution. 

On his part, the representative of the State Commissioner of Environment, Mr. Sonigitu Asibong Ekpe revealed that the government is committed to embracing a green and eco-friendly economy, adding that it is on the verge of launching an Environmental Policy. 

"On June 5, 2025, the State Government will be launching an Environmental Policy. But the greatest challenge we have now is knowledge gap. We have lots of graduates, but we need people who are well equipped with vital environmental knowledge that can help pass this advocacy message across to as many people. 

On the environmental programs of the government, he further revealed that "the government has secured the federal government's backings to carry out a feasibility study on eco-plan to the tune of 350 billion Euros to be funded on equity along Lafarge evacuation corridor." 

The event features special upcycling workshop, participants breakout discussions, presentation of certifications and resolutions from breakout discussions as well as photography sessions.