The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has advocated for reintroduction of the national monthly sanitation exercise as part of measure to protect and safeguard the environment against diseases.
The Acting Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Mr. Jimoh Haruna Gabi, stated this during the 2025 world environment day held at the GYB Secondary School in Lokoja, Kogi state with the theme “Beat plastic pollution”
According to him, the effect of environmental pollution has become a global challenge that requires collective actions to combat its effect on human health, stressing that plastic waste has constitute a major waste materials that most often contributed to blockage of water channels that causes flood disaster in many communities.
He said the theme of the 2025 World Environmental Day; “Beat Plastic Pollution” is apt in view of the need to take urgent actions to combat the negative effects occasioned by dumping of plastic wastes into drainages
Reeling out the some of the achievements recorded so far by the commission, Mr. Gabi said the commission has constructed erosion and flood control structures in some states and other communities to tackle flooding.
“The Commission has constructed flood control structures in Benue, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara as well as established tree seedlings nurseries centres in N-HYPPADEC States with one million capacity productions towards restoring green cover and combating effects of climate change.”
While assuring that the commissioner will continue to sensitize the people on the effect of environmental hazard, the Managing Director appealed to residents to desist from dumping of refuse on water channels, and cultivate the habit of living in a healthy environment.
Chairman of Nigerian Environmental Society, Kogi State Chapter, Ekele Ochedi, in his opening speech , explained that the use of plastic and polythene materials with poor handling method has posed danger to environment globally.
He lamented that inappropriate handling of the plastic waste has constituted danger to people’s health, calling for collective action to address the challenge.
He appealed to individuals, organizations and government to adopt sustainable practices that will promote systemic change toward finding permanent solution to plastic environmental pollution.
He expressed worries over the current approach to waste management in Nigeria particularly in Kogi State, noting that the effort need to be strengthened for a compressive waste disposal method that will keep the state clean and also enhance the health condition of the people .
The Guest Speaker, Professor Musa Danlami, the dean faculty of social science, Federal University Lokoja, in his lecture titled “Eliminating Plastic Pollution: Strategies, Stakeholders, and Solutions for a Sustainable Future” said unmanaged used plastic or any other polythene materials contributed to flooding in many cities including state capitals due to blockages of drainages.
He appealed to residents to stop habit that cause environmental pollution, noting that rivers are polluted due human activities that are not healthy to the environment.
He called on the agency in charge of sanitation in Kogi State to step up their activities in ensuring that there is better waste management system that will keep the state clean.
In his remarks, the Etsu Andankolo, Chief David Agbayi, who represented the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo, said urged residents to desist from indiscriminate disposal of waste materials.
He assured that as traditional rulers they will continue to sensitize the people on the need to be environmental friendly in order to live a healthy life.
World Environment Day 2025 calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution. The campaign is aimed at encouraging individuals, organizations, industries, and governments to adopt sustainable practices that drive systemic change.
Highlights of the occasion was the planting of trees, Flag-off and handling over of flood early warning sensitisation materials and desilting and evacuation of blocked drainages and culvert project.