Climate Action: Don’t Wait for Government Policy, Act Now – Network Tasks Residents
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
In a vibrant display of environmental consciousness and solidarity with global sustainability goals, hundreds of residents, civil society groups, gathered in Sabo Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, to commemorate World Environment Day 2025 with a powerful rally themed “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
The event, organized by the Network of Civil Societies on Environment (NCSE) in collaboration with the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Chikun Division, served as a grassroots call to action in response to the escalating threat of plastic pollution in Nigerian communities.
The rally began with a spirited procession from Futureview Filling Station in Sabo Tasha, moving through key areas. Armed with banners, placards, and climate action chants, participants spread awareness on responsible waste management and the need for urgent climate action. Onlookers, inspired by the energy and message, joined in as the march progressed.
Strategic stops were made at markets and major junctions where short sensitization talks were delivered. These impromptu environmental sessions highlighted the devastating effects of plastic waste on health, infrastructure, and the environment.
Speaking to the crowd, leader of the team, Simeon Olatunde emphasized that environmental protection begins with individual action.
“Today, June 5th, is World Environment Day, and our message is simple: keep your environment clean. Don’t wait for the government, it’s not the government that dumps refuse in our gutters. It’s you and me. We are the world.
“There are designated points for waste disposal. Not the drainage, not your neighbor’s compound. When you sweep, gather your waste and drop it at the proper site. And with plastics, don’t just throw them away after use. Reuse and recycle them. These small actions are climate actions,” Olatunde said.
He further decried the worsening waste situation in local markets and residential areas, noting that indiscriminate dumping not only leads to environmental degradation but also contributes to health crises such as malaria, cholera, and typhoid.
“Flooding doesn’t happen overnight. It is the outcome of poor daily habits. When gutters are blocked by plastic waste, water finds its way into our homes. We must all be responsible not just in our houses, but also in our shops and business spaces.”
Also addressing the rally, Uche Brown, Program Lead for NCSE, connected plastic pollution directly to the rise in flooding across Nigerian states.
“Let’s reason together. People wait for rain before dumping their trash, especially plastic into gutters and streams. When water has no path, it floods our homes. This habit is behind the flooding crisis in many states.
“That plastic you throw today will remain for over 100 years. It does not decay. If we don’t change, our environment will suffer,” He explained.
Brown urged residents to adopt the “5Rs” in their daily lives, “Refuse single-use plastics, Reduce plastic packaging, Reuse containers and bags, Recycle properly, and Report illegal dumping. She also encouraged participants to raise their voices against plastic pollution and say NO to plastic bags, Styrofoam packs, plastic straws, and littering.”
The rally wasn’t just about marching and talking, it included hands-on activities. At several stops, participants cleared blocked gutters to demonstrate proper waste disposal practices.
The rally climaxed at the YMCA grounds, where trees were planted to symbolize renewed hope and a collective commitment to environmental sustainability.
Organizers noted that the event aimed not only to raise awareness but to mobilize communities to take ownership of climate action, without waiting for top-down government policy.
As the global community focuses on beating plastic pollution, the message from Chikun was clear, Change starts at home. Change starts with you.
