NSC, Royal Commonwealth Society begin ‘Clean Oceans’ plastic campaign
By Emmanuel Afonne
The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) has officially begun the ‘Clean Oceans Plastic Awareness’ campaign in Nigeria, ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign, which was inaugurated on Wednesday at Jabi Lake, Abuja, is in partnership with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Commonwealth Games Nigeria.
The campaign is part of efforts to promote responsible disposal of plastic waste particularly around the nation’s waterways.
It also aims to promote environmental sustainability and youth engagement ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled to hold in Glasgow, Scotland, between July 23 and Aug. 2, 2026.
Blackson Bayewumi, the Country Director, Royal Commonwealth Society, Nigeria Branch, said the campaign was part of a broader commitment to reduce plastic pollution and part of the transformative role of sports in driving environmental awareness.
“The Commonwealth accounts for one-third of the world’s ocean waters and nearly half of its member states are Small Island Developing States that are disproportionately affected by plastic pollution.
“The RSC’s Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign aims to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways.
“The campaign will combine education with local action, encouraging people to reduce plastic use, explore alternatives, and minimise pollution.”
Bayewumi revealed that the action component of the campaign would be delivered in collaboration with Commonwealth Sport, as a key feature of the newly re-imagined King’s Baton Relay.
“This version of the relay, focused on sustainability and environmental consciousness, was unveiled by The King at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025.
“It marks the start of a 500-day journey to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, set for July 2026.
“As the Baton travels through all Commonwealth nations and territories, the campaign will unite youth, athletes, conservationists, and communities in week-long activities, most notably plastic clean-ups.”
Bayewumi highlighted the scale of the global plastic crisis.
He said that more than 400 million tonnes of plastic were produced annually with more than 12 million tonnes ending up in Commonwealth oceans.
“Plastic pollution threatens marine life—suffocating birds, fish, and sea mammals, while damaging entire ecosystems.
“What is more alarming is that when plastic breaks down into microplastics, it enters our food, water, and air, posing unknown risks to human health,” he said.
He warned that early studies suggested that microplastics might disrupt various bodily functions, as there was no known method to remove them from the human body.
Chairman of NSC, Malam Shehu Dikko, Director-General of NSC, Bukola Olopade, and the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, were the notable dignitaries at the event.
Secretary-General of NOC, Tunde Popoola, was also present at the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
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