As the world commemorates World Cleanup Day Today September 20th, Benin Evuarherhe Richard, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), has called on the government to take urgent action by enacting and enforcing stricter laws against indiscriminate waste disposal.

Speaking during a cleanup exercise organized to mark the global event, Richard emphasized the critical need for intentional cleanliness, stating that environmental care should be a shared responsibility between citizens and government institutions.

“At CODAF, the environment is our first constituency and a core focus of our work, which is why we chose to commemorate World Cleanup Day here in Ughelli, Delta State—where our head office is located—through a practical and impactful cleanup exercise across the streets, major roads, and Otovwodo Market.”

"Our aim is to lead by example and raise awareness about the importance of environmental responsibility. Sadly, many people still engage in harmful habits, such as indiscriminately throwing waste from moving vehicles—something I witnessed myself today. This kind of behavior undermines efforts toward a cleaner, healthier society. If we truly desire to live in a decent and hygienic environment, then it is our shared duty—both as individuals and as a community—to actively keep our surroundings clean."

He stressed that cleanliness must go beyond personal habits and be reflected in national policy and governance. "The environment is our first constituency as an organization," Richard noted, urging lawmakers to prioritize environmental protection by introducing penalties for those who dump waste irresponsibly. According to him, sustainable development and public health are at risk if decisive measures are not taken to curb environmental pollution, especially in urban and rural communities where waste management systems are often inadequate.

Nowho Fred, the Executive Director of the African Center for Environmental and Rural Development (ACERD), urged all levels of government — federal, state, and local — to place greater emphasis on the cleanliness and overall hygiene of the environment. According to him, maintaining a clean society should not be treated as a one-off event but as a continuous responsibility. He stressed that both government institutions and citizens must adopt a daily commitment to cleanliness, rather than waiting for the designated monthly sanitation day.

Fred also highlighted recent public advocacy efforts, including a radio program where he spoke against limiting environmental cleanup to just one day out of the month. “It is not enough to allocate one day in 30 for environmental sanitation,” he said. “If we are truly serious about safeguarding our environment and public health, we must move from rhetoric to practical, intentional action. Every day should be a cleanup day — not just the last Saturday of the month.” He emphasized that real change would only occur when both government and citizens treat environmental care as a daily obligation rather than a formality.

Grace Chukwufumanya Ndobu, founder of Ace Recycles Enterprise, and her team engaged with residents, educating them on the importance of maintaining a clean environment and adopting proper waste disposal practices that support sustainable development. “Even the Bible says cleanliness is next to godliness,” she emphasized, adding that a clean environment not only reflects moral responsibility but also contributes to overall societal well-being. She noted that a tidy, pollution-free environment fosters better mental health, encourages creativity, and allows people to think more clearly, ultimately leading to a healthier and more productive society.

Ndobu also highlighted the economic and environmental value of recycling. She described recycling as a growing and profitable industry that benefits both individuals and the planet. “When you collect and separate plastics, cans, or paper from your regular food waste, you’re not just keeping your environment clean—you’re also earning something in return,” she said. She encouraged households to start recycling right from their homes by simply sorting waste properly and partnering with local recycling companies. “Even if all you make from it is enough to buy mobile data, it’s still something gained. That’s the beauty of recycling—it pays you while saving the environment,” she concluded.

Ikpibako Victory, Head of the Environment Department in Ughelli North Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration between the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) and the local government authorities during the World Cleanup Day activities. She commended CODAF for partnering with the Department of Environment and for aligning with the ongoing efforts of the Ughelli North Local Government Chairman, Honorable Jaro Egbo. “The cleanup exercise carried out today by CODAF was truly amazing,” she remarked. “Seeing them work side by side with our environmental health officers to clean the streets, main roads, and Otovwodo Market was very encouraging. It has reinforced our public awareness campaigns, reminding people that hygiene is closely tied to godliness.”

Victory, further emphasized the public health benefits of maintaining a clean environment, noting that a hygienic community is less prone to common illnesses and diseases. “When our surroundings are clean, many preventable diseases simply disappear,” she stated. She called on other individuals, organizations, and stakeholders to support and participate in future sanitation initiatives within Ughelli North and beyond. “We want Ughelli to be clean, we want Delta State to be clean. If more people and groups join this cause, we can achieve a healthier and more beautiful environment for everyone,” she added.

One of the volunteers for CODAF, Eremutha O. Meshack, a native of Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State who heard the message on The EnviroGyst radio program, aired on quest 93.1 fm every Thursday said, "After hearing about World Cleanup Day 2025 on Quest FM earlier this week, I was inspired by my passion for a clean, healthy, and peaceful environment to join the activities organized by various NGOs in Ughelli on September 20th. It was truly an honor to be part of a collective effort aimed at making our surroundings safer and more livable. I was warmly received by the participating organizations, and I deeply appreciate the care, hospitality, and sense of community they extended to me throughout the event."

Highlight of the cleanup exercise is that All the plastic wastes that were collected during the exercise were taken to ACE Recycling center. And a brand audit will be conducted and the report will be out early next week to ascertain the brand which pollutes our environment most.

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