By Abdullahi Lukman
The Delta State Government has intensified its call for concerted action against plastic pollution, urging residents to embrace sustainable practices as part of the 2025 World Environment Day commemorations.
Jamani Ejiro, the State Commissioner for Environment, led the charge, emphasizing the urgent need for a collective response to the escalating global plastic crisis.
Speaking at an event in Asaba that included a public awareness road walk, Commissioner Ejiro characterized World Environment Day as a vital “Earth Check-up Day” – an initiative by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to encourage individuals, communities, and governments worldwide to actively engage in environmental preservation and restoration.
“This year’s theme, ‘Ending Plastic Pollution,’ serves as a stark reminder of how plastic waste has infiltrated every corner of our world, from our oceans and coastlines to the very food we consume,” Ejiro stated, stressing that the situation demands immediate action, not just contemplation.
He highlighted the dual threat posed by plastic pollution, encompassing both climate and health risks, pointing to the alarming presence of microplastics in human bodies.
The Commissioner advocated for the widespread adoption of innovative solutions, such as biodegradable materials and advanced recycling systems.
These, he noted, are crucial for inspiring urgent change and working towards a future free from plastic waste, especially as international efforts focus on negotiating a global plastics treaty.
To facilitate these efforts at the grassroots level, Ejiro strongly encouraged households to segregate their waste at the source, separating recyclables from biodegradable materials.
This simple yet impactful step, he explained, would streamline proper waste disposal and significantly bolster the state’s recycling initiatives.
Furthermore, Commissioner Ejiro urged Deltans to align with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s “M.O.R.E Agenda,” which explicitly prioritizes environmental sustainability as a core component of the state’s development framework.
Echoing this sentiment, Godwin Enone, the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, reiterated through Mrs. Francesca Atigan, Director of the Sanitation and Waste Management Department, that the 2025 World Environment Day theme underscores the imperative of addressing plastic pollution to ensure a healthy and sustainable environment for future generations.
The Delta State Ministry of Environment has been active in various environmental initiatives, including sensitization walks, clean-up exercises, and collaborations with partners like the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the Nigerian Environmental Society to promote eco-friendly practices.
The state has also signed an MoU for the restoration of mangrove forests and the protection of seagrass, demonstrating a commitment to broader ecosystem preservation.
