By Faridat Salifu
The C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment celebrated World Clean Up Day 2024 at the Jabi Forest Mechanic Village in Abuja, demonstrating a strong sense of community and environmental responsibility.
Against the backdrop of the campaign slogan “Make Room for Life,” this pivotal event aimed at galvanizing local and global efforts towards sustainable environmental practices.
The event unfolded in collaboration with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and aimed to spotlight the critical link between environmental health and the well-being of the population.
This year’s clean-up initiative followed a concerning report from Clean-up Nigeria in 2021, noting that a staggering 80% of Nigerians live in unsanitary conditions, with open dumping still prevalent in 34 states. Motivated by these alarming statistics, the C-Circle Foundation has dedicated itself to championing clean-up efforts each year.
Related Posts
Dr. Chimere May Ohajinwa, who leads both the C-Circle Foundation and C-Circle Research, underscored the multi-faceted benefits of such community clean-up initiatives. “These events not only raise awareness but also foster collaboration among community members, collect essential data for policy-making, and promote long-term sanitation practices,” she noted. Dr. Ohajinwa highlighted that while World Clean Up Day is a significant annual event, maintaining cleanliness should be an everyday commitment.
Upon their first visit to Jabi Forest Mechanic Village, the C-Circle team was met with a disheartening sight: litter strewn about, a glaring absence of sanitation facilities, and widespread reliance on open defecation.
The mechanics in the area attributed these conditions to the demolition of their previous restrooms and their marginalized status as perceived illegal occupants. In response, the C-Circle team engaged with the local mechanics union to organize the clean-up effort.
Despite ongoing initiatives from AEPB, many in Abuja remain unaware of pollution’s perils. The waste found in Jabi Forest is often washed into water sources by rain, compounding the environmental issues by blocking drains and leading to potential flooding and disease outbreaks.
The AEPB’s Assistant Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mrs. Omenta Racheal, praised C-Circle’s ongoing dedication to environmental health.
She emphasized the dire health risks associated with unsanitary environments and the critical need for collective action to tackle these outbreaks.
