Abia State Joins Global Effort to Commemorate World Clean-Up Day
As the world marks World Clean-Up Day on September 20, Abia State in Nigeria has announced its plans to join the global community in celebrating the importance of environmental cleanliness and public health. The state’s General Manager/Chief Executive of the Abia State Protection Agency, Ogbonnia Okereke, highlighted the significant strides made under the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Otti in revolutionizing waste management in Abia state.
The statement emphasized that the theme of this year’s World Clean-Up Day aligns perfectly with the state’s ongoing efforts to transform its waste management system. According to Okereke, the importance of a clean and healthy environment cannot be overstated, as it is crucial for the well-being of citizens. Prior to the current administration, Aba and Umuahia cities were notorious for being overrun by waste, posing a threat to public health.
Governor Otti’s administration swiftly declared a state of emergency on waste management upon assuming office, mobilizing a dedicated task force to tackle the backlog of waste. Within weeks, the major cities and towns were rid of the filth that once plagued them. Today, Abia State is not only cleaner but is also undergoing a complete transformation in its waste management system, with the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) revamped and reenergized to ensure consistent sanitation efforts across the state.
The ASEPA boss urged the public to bag waste in biodegradable materials for proper disposal and avoid dumping waste in unauthorized locations or drains, which leads to flooding and environmental hazards. He also advised residents to pay sanitation fees promptly to support the vital public service provided by ASEPA and to embrace and support the state’s recycling initiatives as part of its shift to modern waste management.
Abia State has also embraced the United Nations Zero Waste Agenda and the Circular Economy Model, which seeks to convert waste into valuable resources such as consumer goods, fertilizers, and energy. The state is moving beyond the traditional 3 Rs of Waste Management (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and incorporating the 12 Rs, including Refuse, Rethink, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, and more.
Under Governor Otti’s guidance, Abia State is rapidly shedding its former image as one of Nigeria’s dirtiest states. The administration is dedicated to positioning Abia as one of the cleanest states in the country, and is confident that, with the continued collaboration of its citizens, it will achieve this goal.
