LAGOS/Nigeria: In a move towards environmental sustainability and community engagement, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has teamed up with TotalEnergies Marketing, Nigeria PLC to spearhead an impactful initiative in celebration of the 2023 World Clean-up Day (WCD). This joint effort saw the planting of 100 trees and a thorough clean-up of schools in Surulere, Lagos.
World Clean-up Day, observed every third Saturday in September on a global scale, serves as a rallying point for communities worldwide to address the pressing issues of solid waste management and the eradication of litter from various environments, including forests, rivers, streets, and beaches.
Under the banner of “Let’s Do it World,” the 2023 WCD carries the message of collective responsibility for the planet’s well-being and sustainability.
Speaking during an event held at Gbaja Senior Boys High School, Surulere, Dr. Samba Seye, the Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria PLC, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and climate action. Represented by Mrs. Weruche Nwagbara, General Manager (Commercials) at TotalEnergies, Seye underscored the initiative’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
TotalEnergies expressed its delight in partnering with the NCF, renowned experts in environmental conservation, as they jointly advocate for a circular economy and a cleaner environment for future generations. The company reaffirmed its dedication to contributing to the attainment of several SDGs, emphasizing environmental sustainability and biodiversity protection as core objectives.
Seye stressed TotalEnergies’ intent in promoting climate action and pollution reduction, citing the active involvement of employees and volunteers in the clean-up exercise taking place across Lagos, Kano, and Benin. Additionally, the company pledged to plant 100 trees, with students from various schools assuming responsibility for nurturing these green additions, while also providing essential cleaning materials to support their efforts.
“As a responsible corporate citizen,” Seye proclaimed, “we urge our communities to sustain these sustainable practices and ensure a cleaner world.”
Adebukola Suberu, the Representative of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, used the occasion to call for the responsible disposal of waste in the metropolis. She encouraged students to adopt the habit of waste separation at its source, emphasizing that improper handling of plastic waste could lead to drainage blockages and potentially contribute to flooding. Suberu advised the students to embrace waste recycling as an integral part of their daily routines.
The event’s highlight was the symbolic tree-planting ceremony on the school premises, signifying a commitment to a greener future.
At the conclusion of the clean-up exercise, a total of 160 kilograms of waste was collected, including 20 kilograms of plastic bottles. This tangible result serves as a testament to the dedication of all involved in the endeavor to promote a cleaner and more sustainable environment for all.
