CODAF Marks World Cleanup Day with call on Delta Govt to Enact, Enforce Stricter Waste Management Laws
By Ekemini Simon
The Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), a Civil Society Organisation focused on environmental advocacy has called on the government of Delta State to immediately take action against indiscriminate waste disposal in Delta State by enacting and enforcing stricter waste management laws.
CODAF made the call on Saturday during a cleanup exercise by the organisation to mark the World Cleanup Day across the streets, major roads, and Otovwodo Market in Ughelli, Delta State.
Addressing the press during the exercise, the Co-founder and Executive Director of CODAF, Benin Richard who said his organisation decided to carry out the clean up exercise in Ugheli due to the fact that CODAF’s head office is located here observed that indiscriminate waste is gradually taking the centre stage in Delta State.
He said that there is a critical need for intentional cleanliness and environmental care in Delta State stressing that such a task should be a shared responsibility between citizens and government institutions.
Richard said why CODAF in its number chose to clean up the area is to lead by example and raise awareness about the importance of environmental responsibility by all.
The Executive Director pointed out that cleanliness must go beyond personal habits and should be reflected in national policy and governance.
Richard called on lawmakers to prioritize environmental protection by introducing penalties for those who dump waste irresponsibly. He said beyond the penalties, the State and local government areas must put mechanisms in place to monitor and enforce compliance thus entrench a clean and healthy environment across Delta State.
He added “The environment is our first constituency as an organisation. Sustainable development and public health are at risk if decisive measures are not taken to curb environmental pollution, especially in urban and rural communities where waste management systems are often inadequate.”
On her part, the Assistant Project officer for Community Action and Governance, CODAF, Okeoghene Emuakpovi said CODAF has observed even during the cleanup exercise that many people still engage in harmful habits, such as indiscriminately throwing of waste from moving vehicles.
“This kind of behavior undermines efforts toward a cleaner, healthier society. If we truly desire to live in a decent and hygienic environment, then it is our shared duty. This responsibility is both as individuals and as a community to actively keep our surroundings clean. To achieve this, people must be intentional about change and the government must step up with stricter laws as a deterrent “, she said.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the African Center for Environmental and Rural Development (ACERD), Nowho Fred who joined CODAF during the exercise asked that all levels of government; federal, state, and local government should place greater emphasis on the cleanliness and overall hygiene of the environment else the negligence may lead to outbreaks that may cause health crisis that would affect both indiscriminate waste disposers and those who handle waste properly.
According to him, maintaining a clean society should not be treated as a one-off event but as a continuous responsibility. He said that both government institutions and citizens must adopt a daily commitment to cleanliness, rather than waiting for the designated monthly sanitation day.
Fred also highlighted recent public advocacy efforts, including a radio programme where he spoke against limiting environmental cleanup to just one day out of the month.
He added “It is not enough to allocate one day in 30 days for environmental sanitation. If we are truly serious about safeguarding our environment and public health, we must move from rhetoric to practical, intentional action. Every day should be a cleanup day.”
On her part, the founder of Ace Recycles Enterprise, Grace Ndobu and her team who engaged with residents, educating them on the importance of maintaining a clean environment and adopting proper waste disposal practices that support sustainable development harped on the Bible call that cleanliness is next to godliness. She said that a clean environment does not only reflect moral responsibility but also contributes to overall societal well-being and productivity.
Ndobu also highlighted the economic and environmental value of recycling waste. She said recycling, which is a profitable industry, starts from collection and separation of plastics, cans, or paper from one’s regular food waste.
She encouraged households to start recycling right from their homes by simply sorting waste properly and partnering with local recycling companies and gaining money in return.
Victory Ikpibako, Head of the Environment Department in Ughelli North Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration between the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) and the local government authorities during the World Cleanup Day activities.
She commended CODAF for partnering with the Department of Environment and for aligning with the ongoing efforts of the Ughelli North Local Government Chairman, Honorable Jaro Egbo.
Ikpibako said the cleanup exercise carried out today by CODAF has reinforced the council’s public awareness campaigns, reminding people that hygiene is closely tied to godliness.
She called on other individuals, organisations, and stakeholders to support and participate in future sanitation initiatives within Ughelli North and beyond. “We want Ughelli to be clean, we want Delta State to be clean. If more people and groups join this cause, we can achieve a healthier and more beautiful environment for everyone,” she added.
Meanwhile, all the plastic wastes collected during the exercise were taken to ACE Recycling centre for a brand audit with the report expected early next week to ascertain the brand which pollutes the environment most.