As the world marked the 2025 edition of World Environment Day, the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Abeokuta chapter, has called on residents of Ogun State to take urgent action against the rising threat of plastic pollution.
This year’s theme, “Putting an End to Plastic Pollution,” served as a rallying point for environmental advocates across the globe—and the NES is using the occasion to raise awareness on the dangers posed by indiscriminate plastic waste disposal.
Speaking in Abeokuta on Tuesday, the chairman of the NES Abeokuta chapter, Alhaji Jamiu Badmos , described plastic as a double-edged sword—useful to millions but deeply harmful when mismanaged.
“Plastic is a valuable material that provides livelihoods for many, but its environmental impact is alarming,” Badmus said.
“It doesn’t decompose easily, clogs drainages, kills aquatic life, and leads to long-term health risks.”
Badmus warned that if residents do not begin to manage their plastic waste responsibly, Ogun State and Nigeria at large risk facing even graver environmental and public health crises.
He urged citizens to adopt better waste disposal practices by embracing recycling and participating in government-backed initiatives such as the Blue Box Programme, which encourages waste sorting at source.
“Don’t just throw your plastics into the bin—separate them, sell them to recyclers, and help keep your environment clean,” he said. “This is not just about the environment. It’s about our collective survival and the kind of future we are building.”
The NES chairman further noted that environmental negligence often translates into economic and health setbacks for communities. He called on residents to view environmental responsibility as a civic duty, not just a government affair.
“Our environment is where we live. It feeds us, shelters us, and determines our quality of life. If we destroy it, we destroy ourselves,” he said.
Jamiu appealed to both government and private sector actors to invest more in waste management infrastructure and environmental education, saying that public enlightenment is critical to winning the fight against plastic pollution.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that World Environment Day is celebrated globally every June 5 to raise awareness and prompt action on critical environmental issues.
This year’s focus on plastic pollution reflects growing concern about the impact of single-use plastics on ecosystems and human health.
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