In line with the 2023 World Environment Day theme “Beat Plastic Pollution”, ECOSMART, a prominent global SDG advocacy organization with a focus on environmental issues, partnered with PLOGGING NIGERIA Club for a remarkable event under the theme “Celebrate the Earth.”
The event which took place on Saturday, September 16, with hashtag PLOGGATHON, featured a 10km marathon dedicated to beating plastic pollution, aligning with the 2023 World Environment Day theme.
Participants embarked on a journey from Jabi Lake Park to the stadium, actively collecting plastic and nylon products littering their path. To recognize the dedication of the participants and promote environmental consciousness, prizes, certificates, and medals were awarded to both winners and participants.
According to the founder of ECOSMART, Sonia Somuvie, the organisation’s collaboration with PLOGGING NIGERIA Club aimed to amplify the voices of environmental advocates, fostering positive sanitation practices, influencing policy-making, advocating for climate change action, securing financing for environmental initiatives, and reducing plastic waste.
In her address, Somuvie echoed the views of Senator Ned Nwoko, Senator representing Delta North senatorial district and Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, emphasizing the significance of dam and embankment construction, dredging of river Niger and Benue as long-term solutions to Nigeria’s flooding issues.
Somuvie also highlighted the importance of proper waste management, sorting, and responsible disposal, encouraging individuals to make a positive impact on their immediate environment, with the hope of fostering lasting societal change.