By Dosu Deborah Oluwatimilehin (SIWES Student, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic Eruwa)
Numerous environmental non-profit organizations (NGOs) and social enterprises in Lagos, including U-recycle Initiative Africa, Plogging Nigeria, and Green With Grin, have voiced their enthusiastic support for the Lagos State Government’s prohibition on styrofoam food packaging.
Commending the government for its proactive stance in safeguarding the environment and curbing plastic waste, these organizations urge further actions to promote environmental sustainability and combat plastic pollution.
In a joint statement signed by Timilehin Abioye, Director of Communications at U-recycle Initiative Africa, the groups lauded the ban as a crucial measure to tackle the plastic waste crisis plaguing Lagos.
Emphasizing the significance of individual responsibility in waste reduction, they rallied the public to rally behind the government’s efforts to foster a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos.
As youth-led organizations committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability, we’ve conducted climate education programs in rural areas, organized campus cleanups, and devised innovative solutions to address Lagos’s plastic pollution crisis, the statement read.
Underlining their relentless advocacy for heightened awareness and action against plastic pollution, they called on fellow youth-led entities to unite in combating this pressing issue.
Acknowledging the gravity of environmental challenges in Lagos, the coalition stressed the indispensable role of robust policies alongside grassroots initiatives.
They hailed the ban on styrofoam food packaging as a pivotal stride towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, commending the Lagos State Government for its resolve in tackling plastic pollution.
The joint statement includes endorsements from various organizations such as U-recycle Initiative Africa, Plogging Nigeria, Aquaworld Community Development Initiative, Dhoney Adire and Crafts Nigeria, GreenWithGrin, Eco.Biz, Cleaner And Healthier Nature Initiative, and The Green Club Unilag, representing diverse approaches to environmental issues in Lagos State.
Additional signatories include Zero Plastic Straw Community, LEARNBLUE, EcoDiversified International, Dawn Project Network, RecyclubNG, Tiwa Talks Green LTD/GTE, and SustyVibes, constituting a broad coalition of youth-led organizations striving for a sustainable Lagos.
Their endeavors encompass marine conservation, sustainable fashion, and environmental education.
The coalition emphasized the imperative of heightened public awareness and education regarding plastic pollution, advocating for increased investment in recycling infrastructure and circular economies to mitigate plastic waste.
They underscored the urgency of innovative solutions, including biodegradable materials, and emphasized the need for stringent enforcement against illegal dumping and littering.
Furthermore, the coalition highlighted the importance of sustainable development initiatives such as urban green spaces and gardens, citing their potential to mitigate pollution and enhance the well-being of Lagos residents.
Through concerted efforts, they aim to foster a greener, healthier future for Lagos State and beyond.
