As the world marked World Environment Day on June 5, Ebonyi State took a decisive step that goes beyond mere ceremonial observance.
In a state often grappling with the consequences of environmental neglect—from flash floods to health crises—officials, traders, and community leaders joined forces in a powerful demonstration of what environmental responsibility should look like.
The campaign, centered on major markets, was not just about cleaning drains or planting trees. It was about planting a new mindset, one rooted in survival, resilience, and collective action.
The atmosphere at the International and Kpirikpiri markets was anything but ordinary. Armed with rakes, shovels, and seedlings, officials from the Ministries of Environment, Health, and Market Development worked side-by-side with traders.
They were not just removing dirt—they were making a statement: “A cleaner environment is no longer optional. It is essential for our health, economy, and safety.”
The symbolism of launching the campaign in the heart of the markets is profound. Markets are lifelines for commerce and daily livelihood, yet they are often hotspots for environmental degradation due to uncontrolled waste disposal.
By targeting these hubs, the government signaled a deep understanding that any sustainable solution must begin where the people live and work.
At the forefront of the campaign was Hon. Victor Chukwu, the Commissioner for Environment, who did not mince words. In an era where science is already predicting the likely impacts of climate change, including floods and disease outbreaks, his message was both a warning and a call to action.
He cited predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) that placed Ebonyi among states at risk of severe flooding this rainy season.
“Plastic waste and indiscriminate disposal of refuse are killing our environment. It’s not just about dirty streets—it’s about clogged drainage, rising water levels, and children dying from diarrhea,” Chukwu emphasized. “We must act now.”
Indeed, plastics and cellophane, which do not decompose, have become a silent but deadly epidemic in the state’s urban centers.
They block waterways, poison soil, and suffocate aquatic life. The campaign’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” resonated strongly against this backdrop.
Dr. Mary-Joy Umoke, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and an environmental health expert, reinforced this urgency. She revealed the creation of a tripartite committee involving the Ministries of Environment, Health, and Human Capital Development.
Their mandate is to formulate a strategic response plan in the event that the flooding forecast becomes reality.
But perhaps the most innovative stride mentioned was the state's investment in waste-to-wealth infrastructure in Umuoghara, Ezza North. According to Hon. Chukwu, the facility—now at 70% completion—is set to convert waste into economic value.
It is a bold leap toward a circular economy, where waste is not a burden but a resource.
This initiative is particularly vital in a state like Ebonyi, where economic opportunities are tightly linked to agriculture, small trade, and local industries.
Giving waste a second life not only improves the environment but opens a new stream of income for communities, especially for women and youths often engaged in informal recycling.
Dr. Friday Agha, Chairman of the Nigerian Environmental Society in Ebonyi, didn’t shy away from pointing fingers either. “Our people must abandon the culture of indifference.
Throwing plastic anywhere is like setting a trap for your own child,” he warned. His comment cut to the heart of the matter: policy can only go so far unless mindsets change.
Perhaps the most inspiring moments came from market leaders like Comrade Jerry Ikpor and Comrade Patience Nwali, who welcomed the initiative and pledged to sustain the cleanliness drive.
“This isn’t just government work anymore,” one of them said. “It’s our shared responsibility.”
The highlight of the event—tree planting around market corridors—was more than symbolic.
Trees are nature’s most efficient engineers: absorbing flood water, purifying air, providing shade, and even enhancing mental health. For a state staring at flood forecasts, each tree planted could be a life saved.
In conclusion, Ebonyi State’s World Environment Day campaign was not a publicity stunt. It was a glimpse into what a proactive, community-rooted response to environmental threats looks like.
As the rains approach, the real test lies ahead. But with cleaner markets, empowered traders, and an activated government, the seeds of a more resilient Ebonyi may already be sprouting—one tree, one bag of waste, one changed mind at a time.
Victor Nwegede.
