ASABA/Nigeria: As the world marks World Environment Day 2025 with the theme “End Plastic Pollution”, the Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called on residents to adopt a more intentional and holistic approach to environmental best practices for healthier living and a safer planet.
In a statement issued by the Chapter Chairman, Mr. Godfrey C. Osakwe, he emphasised the need for all Deltans to commit to sustainable environmental best practices. According to him, “Deltans deserve a better environment; clean air, healthy groundwater, green spaces, good road networks, and environmentally responsible citizens.”
Mr. Osakwe decried the poor environmental habits displayed by some members of the public and urged a change in mindset. “We must all rethink how we treat our environment. It is time we joined hands to build a sustainable Delta that is clean, green, and eco-friendly. Such a transformation will not only enhance healthy living but also improve our brand image, reputation capital, and competitiveness among the comity of states in Nigeria,” he stated.
In Delta State, World Environment Day was commemorated with a range of activities. In Asaba, a sensitisation walk and clean-up exercise were organised by the Delta State Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with development partners such as the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (Delta Chapter), Nigerian Environmental Society (Delta State Chapter), and environmentally conscious individuals, with support from Seplat Petroleum Development Company.
The 11-kilometer sensitisation and clean-up walk was led by Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro, Commissioner for Environment, Delta State, alongside leaders of the participating organisations. Plastic waste collected along the route was properly packed into disposal bags and loaded into a designated truck for onward recycling, while residents and business owners were sensitised on the dangers of continued use of plastic and the importance of maintaining sound environmental stewardship.
Speaking to the media, Hon. Jamani Ejiro called for a change of attitude among Deltans and emphasised the need for environmentally friendly habits as a pathway to a cleaner and healthier Delta.
World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, is a United Nations led global initiative aimed at raising awareness and spurring action on pressing environmental challenges. This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” highlights the urgent need for unified global efforts to tackle the growing threat of plastic waste.
To deepen public engagement, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, Chairman, Delta NIPR, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, Secretary, Delta NIPR, and Dr. Victor Sunji, Chairman, Delta NES appeared as guests on Trend FM 100.9 Asaba, where they discussed the dangers of plastic materials pose to both humans and ecosystems.
They noted that plastic pollution remains one of the most critical environmental issues of our time, with approximately 11 million tons of plastic entering marine ecosystems annually. Even more alarming is the rise of microplastics, now found in soils, water sources, and even human bodies; posing serious health and ecological risks.
Dr. Victor Sunji urged the government to create an enabling environment for private sector participation in recycling, including the enactment of appropriate legislation. He also called on media outlets across Delta State to actively support environmental education and sensitisation. He further advocated for more responsible waste management through sorting and separating biodegradable from non-biodegradable materials.
Similarly, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli emphasised the need for both government and citizens to be more proactive in promoting environmental good governance. “Plastic materials have become a menace, posing great danger to our survival as humans. It’s time we rethink the continued use of plastics and embrace biodegradable alternatives for food packaging, shopping bags, and more,” he said.
The Delta State Chapter of NIPR has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability, aligning with global efforts to combat plastic pollution. And in line with the theme of WED 2025, the Chapter called on citizens to adopt the five Rs – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink in their daily lives. The Institute advocates for a shift toward eco-friendly and biodegradable alternatives, emphasising that such choices are essential for protecting human health and preservation of the environment.
Mr. Osakwe also highlighted the link between responsible environmental behaviour and the attainment of multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including climate action, sustainable consumption and production, ocean preservation, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity conservation.
It is noteworthy that the Republic of Korea is hosting this year’s global World Environment Day celebration on Jeju Island, in recognition of its leadership in green innovation and plastic-free initiatives. The international event will feature major campaigns, policy dialogues, and action plans aimed at accelerating the transition to a plastic-free world.
The Delta NIPR therefore calls on all stakeholders; government, private sector, civil society, and individuals to embrace environmental stewardship as a shared responsibility and a collective vision for a more sustainable and prosperous Delta State, and Nigeria.
