World Clean-Up Day: NCF, TotalEnergies partner on clean-up, tree planting in Surulere

In commemoration of the 2023 World Clean-up Day (WCD), the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has collaborated with TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria PLC to plant 100 trees and clean-up some schools in Surulere, Lagos.

Speaking to the Newsmen on Wednesday at Gbaja Senior Boys High School, Surulere, the Managing Director, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria PLC, Dr Samba Seye, said that the company assured its commitment to environmental protection and climate action.

He also revealed every third Saturday in September is set up by the global community to mark World Clean-up Day.

The theme of the 2023 WCD is “Let’s Do it World,” to manage solid waste and clean up litter from forests, rivers, streets and beaches.

Also, Represented by the General Manager (Commercials), TotalEnergies, Mrs Weruche Nwagbara, Seye said that the objective of the clean-up initiative was to meet some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He expressed delight in partnering with NCF, experts in environmental conservation, in advocating for a circular economy and a cleaner environment for future generations.

He said that meeting some of the SDGs were at the heart of the company’s projects and partnerships in bringing about environmental sustainability and the protection of biodiversity.

According to him, TotalEnergies is intentional in advocating for climate action and reduction of pollution in the environment.

“Today, our employees in Lagos Kano and Benin, including station staff and volunteers are taking part in this important clean-up exercise in these locations.

“Also, we are planting 100 trees with students from the various schools taking responsibility for nurturing the trees, while we donate cleaning materials to them.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, we urge our communities to sustain these sustainable practices and ensure a cleaner world,” Seye said.

Also speaking, the Representative of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Adebukola Suberu, called for the proper disposal of wastes in the metropolis.

Suberu urged the students to cultivate the habit of sorting their waste from source.

According to her, improper handling of plastic wastes leads to the blockage of drainages, which may also lead to flooding.She advised the students to imbibe the culture of waste recycling.

The highlight of the event was the planting of trees in the school premise. At the end of the clean-up exercise, 160kg of waste was collected and 20kg of plastic bottles.