By Olasupo Abideen
Plogging Nigeria, a youth-driven environmental NGO dedicated to sustainability advocacy and climate activism, recently convened a two-day Climate Festival in Ilorin, Kwara State, with support from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Kwara State government.
The event, held between May 31 and June 1, 2024, featured a Climate Conference and a Ploggathon—a 10km clean-up race within the Ilorin metropolis.
The conference, themed “Climate Action in Nigeria: Finding a Balance between Climate Obligations and (our) National Realities,” took place on May 31 at the Peace Conference Hall, DePeace Hotel, Ilorin.
It included three panel discussions on waste management and the circular economy, droughts and desertification, and sustainable energy transition. These panels featured young climate leaders, innovators, and policymakers who shared their experiences with 200 attendees, both physical and virtual.
Additionally, the conference included breakout sessions where participants designed a roadmap for the Ilorin Green Economy, addressing issues like sustainable energy access, food security, the circular economy, and urban agriculture.
Keynote speakers at the conference included Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister for Youth Development; Mallam Shehu Ndausa, Kwara State Commissioner for Environment; Hon. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on SDGs; Mrs. Arese Onaghise, Executive Secretary of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA); and Prof. Fola Babalola from the University of Ilorin.
In his welcome address, Mr. Mayokun Iyaomolere, Founder and Executive Director of Plogging Nigeria, emphasized the importance of climate action in line with Nigeria’s unique economic, social, and environmental realities.
He acknowledged the support of major partners and sponsors, including Zilcycler, FBRA, Reblocks, and Glasgow Caledonian University and Ilorin Global Shapers Community, commending them for their commitment towards and constant support of environmental sustainability efforts.
Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, represented by Prince Momoh Olugbenga and Mrs. Lami Bature from the Ministry of Youth Development delivered a keynote address highlighting the critical role of youth in climate action and the interconnectedness of environmental stewardship with poverty reduction, social inclusion, and healthcare.
The Kwara State Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndausa, represented by Mr. Umar Yusuf praised the commitment of young environmental stewards and reiterated the state’s dedication to achieving environmental resilience through various mitigation actions and public sensitization.
Hon. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, represented by Mr. Abdulazeez Ishola urged individuals and businesses to reassess their environmental impact and encouraged collaboration with the government for sustainable development.
On day two, the Ploggathon race commenced at the newly constructed Flyover Bridge at Tanke, Ilorin. Participants, known as Ploggstars, ran a 10km route while collecting recyclable waste such as plastics, beverage cans, and cartons. The race aimed to promote the #BeatPlasticPollution campaign and sustainable waste management.
At the end of the race, Ogunremi Olamide Sharon, a 400-level student at the University of Ilorin, emerged as the first female Ploggstar, while Olufunmi Eljah Damilare from Obafemi Awolowo University was the first male Ploggstar to finish.
Ploggathon winners (determined by an aggregated score of running time per weight of wastes plogged) in both male and female categories received cash prizes, medals, branded caps, T-shirts, and awards. The first-prize winners, Mobolaji Gabriel Jesutofunmi and Abdulfatai Zainab Opeyemi, were awarded 25,000 naira each. The first runners-up, Adeshina Favour Oluwafemi and Ogunremi Olamide Sharon, received 15,000 naira each, while the second runners-up, Gbadamosi Naheem and Akhalele Comfort, received 10,000 naira each.
Overall, all participants in the Ploggathon collected a total of 197.5 kilograms of recyclable waste.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Ramat Jadesola, the planning committee chair, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in environmental sustainability and encouraged continued commitment to a sustainable future for Nigeria and the continent.
