By Peter Okolie

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has called for a collective effort to combat plastic pollution in the state and the country at large.

Uzodimma made the call at an occasion to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day in Owerri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s campaign is “Ending Plastic Pollution.”

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the harmful impacts of plastic waste on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Chinyere Ekomaru, challenged scientists and researchers on development of new technologies to reduce plastic pollution.

“The theme for this year celebration resonates deeply with our shared collective responsibility to protect the planet, especially in view of the threats posed by plastic pollution.

“Everyone is a stakeholder in this venture and we must unite to protect and preserve our common planet,” Uzodimma stated.

In a keynote address, the Executive Director of Ike Odoeme Foundation, a non-profit organisation, Sylvie Marie, said her organisation had initiated some programmes to help combat plastic pollution in the state.

Marie announced the establishment of a Recycling Education and Training Centre to end plastic pollution in Imo and Nigeria at large.

She said the Foundation had initiated a tree-planting campaign to combat environmental degradation, particularly in erosion-prone communities across the state.

The executive director expressed concerns over plastic wastes which had continued to invade rivers, pollute lands, endanger wildlife, and also compromise the health of the people and their future.

She said the Recycling Education and Training Centre would not only equip youths with waste management skills but also empower them to create solutions, generate income, and protect the planet.

Marie said: “Our dream is of a Nigeria where every individual lives in dignity, enjoys a clean and safe environment, and contributes meaningfully to the future we all share.

“The centre will provide hands-on skills to young people on how to convert plastic, cans, and paper into useful products.

“The Ike Odoeme Foundation, has fabricated sample collection bins, which will soon be placed in schools and communities across Imo and some selected states in Nigeria.

“Though the full recycling programme is still underway, these bins are as an important first step in promoting source-level plastic waste collection,” she noted.

She said the tree planting campaign at the Otammiri River bank, targeted erosion-prone areas using indigenous and economically viable trees.

Some of the trees include Ugba (African oil bean), Ukwa (breadfruit), Ube (African pear), and avocado, and would be planted to protect the environment and provide long-term benefits to communities.

“Each tree planted is a barrier of protection, a source of sustenance, and a gift to future generations.

“If we do not protect the land, the land will eventually reject us,” she emphasised.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mr Ejikeme Emenike, applauded the Foundation’s interventions and pledged continued government’s support.

“This is the kind of partnership we encourage. By integrating civic responsibility with policy, we can transform our state into a cleaner, greener, and safer environment,” he said.

In a lecture, Prof. Maurice Obasi, who analysed the causes and consequences of plastic pollution in Nigeria, called for policy reforms, public education, and community-driven solutions to the crisis.

Also, an environmental expert, Dr Emeka Obi, warned against the health and ecological risks of indiscriminate plastic disposal, advocating for stronger enforcement of sanitation laws.

Highlights of the event was the unveiling of sample recycling bins for plastics, cans, and paper as well as a symbolic tree-planting session led by the governor and other dignitaries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz