The Ike Odoeme Foundation, in partnership with the Imo State Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, on Thursday flagged off a series of environmental sustainability projects in commemoration of World Environment Day 2025, with the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution in Nigeria.”
The colourful ceremony, held at Ikemba Ojukwu Square opposite heroes square New Owerri, drew over 250 participants including government officials, traditional rulers, environmentalists, educators, students, development partners, and media professionals.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ekomaru who commended the ministry of environment and the Ike Odoeme Foundation for organising such an event in celebration of 2025 world environment day.
In her keynote address, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Sylvie Marie, announced the establishment of a Recycling Education and Training Centre in Imo State, which will provide hands-on skills to young people on how to convert plastic, cans, and paper into useful products.
“This is not just about waste management,” she said. “It is about empowering the next generation to become solution creators, environmental defenders, and economic contributors.”
As a practical step, the Foundation unveiled sample recycling bins for plastics, cans, and paper. The bins, commissioned during the event by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Sir (Barr.) Ejikeme Major Emenike, will be distributed across schools and communities in Imo State and other selected states.
Marie also announced a tree planting campaign at the Otammiri River bank, targeting erosion-prone areas. Indigenous and economically viable trees including Ugba (African oil bean), Ukwa (breadfruit), Ube (African pear), and avocado will be planted to protect the environment and provide long-term benefits to communities.
“Each tree planted is a barrier of protection, a source of sustenance, and a gift to future generations. If we do not protect the land, the land will eventually reject us,” she said.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to sustainable practices, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Sir Emenike, applauded the Foundation’s interventions and pledged continued government support.
“This is the kind of partnership we encourage. By integrating civic responsibility with policy, we can transform our state into a cleaner, greener, and safer environment,” he said.
The event featured a commemorative lecture by Prof. Maurice Nwabueze Obasi, who analysed the causes and consequences of plastic pollution in Nigeria. He called for policy reforms, public education, and community-driven solutions to the crisis. Environmental expert, Dr. Emeka Obi, also warned against the health and ecological risks of indiscriminate plastic disposal, advocating for stronger enforcement of sanitation laws.
There were also cultural presentations, environmental-themed performances by students, and a symbolic tree-planting session led by the Deputy Governor and other dignitaries.
In a closing remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Chief Franklin Ezechinyere, thanked all stakeholders for their commitment and support, noting that sustainable progress is only possible through shared responsibility.
The event ended with a call to action from the Foundation’s Executive Director and other stakeholders.
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