In commemoration of World Environmental Day, an Ilorin-based non-governmental organization (NGO) Brain Builders Youth Development Initiatives, BBYDI, University of Ilorin chapter in conjunction with Wheather Reporters Club Unilorin chapter, took to the streets today, Saturday June 10, 2023 to evacuate refuse Tanke area in the state capital.
The exercise, which was carried out by volunteers from the NGO, was aimed at promoting environmental cleanliness and creating awareness on the need to keep the environment clean.
The exercise began in the early hours of the morning from Tipper garage – Sanrab, with volunteers seen with gloves, nose masks, and other protective gear, picking up garbage from the streets and loading them into trucks. The refuse included plastic bottles, polythene bags, and other non-biodegradable materials that littered the roads and gutters.
Speaking with reporters remotely the Global Director of the organisation Olasupo Abideen, said the exercise was necessary to remind Kwarans of the importance of environmental cleanliness.
He expressed concern about the negative impact of indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the environment, noting that it could lead to environmental degradation and health hazards.
He commended the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency, KWEPA, for providing it with truck with which the refuse was conveyed to the dump site.
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.
The World Environmental Day, celebrated annually on the 5th of June, and is a day set aside by the United Nations to promote environmental awareness and encourage action towards environmental protection.
