By Joshua Afolabi,Abuja
The Extinction Rebellion (XR) Abuja Local Group held a Waste Management Advocacy Event today in Zhidu, Lugbe, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of effective waste management in local communities.
The event brought together community leaders, activists, residents, and volunteers in a call for action to combat the growing waste crisis affecting Abuja and beyond.
Lubem Gena, Coordinator of XR Abuja, opened the event with a powerful speech, stressed the urgent need for waste management solutions at both the local and global levels.
“Today’s event is more than just a gathering; it is a call to action, a moment of collective reflection, and a decisive step toward preserving and enhancing our environment,” he said.
Gena highlighted that the world generates approximately 2 billion metric tons of waste annually, with projections indicating that this figure will continue to rise.
He said that in Nigeria, poor waste management practices are a major concern, with improper disposal and accumulation of waste leading to significant health hazards, environmental degradation, and economic losses.
He also focused on the opportunities waste management presents, such as job creation through recycling and composting, as well as its vital role in sustainable development.
“Waste is not just a problem; it is an opportunity,” Gena remarked, citing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasize sustainable cities, responsible consumption, and climate action.
Following Gena’s remarks, Comrade Umar Salman, SDGs advocate, policy expert, and young leader, delivered a lecture on waste management practices, particularly in rural communities.
Salman explained the growing challenge of waste management in areas where infrastructure is often lacking.
“In our rural communities, waste management is a growing concern. Without a proper system in place, our environment is suffering, noting the pollution of waterways and harm to wildlife,” he said.
Salman emphasized simple, actionable solutions to address these challenges.
“We can start by embracing the 3Rs of waste management—reduce, reuse, and recycle,” he urged.
He encouraged the use of baskets or containers instead of plastic bags when shopping to minimize plastic waste.
Salman also advocated for composting organic waste, which would not only reduce waste sent to landfills but also create nutrient-rich soil for local gardens and farms.
He added that Proper disposal of waste is a key to keeping communities clean and healthy.
“We must make sure that waste is disposed of properly, using designated bins and landfills,” he said.
In addition to individual action, Salman stressed the importance of community engagement. “We can educate and engage community members to take ownership of waste management,” he said.
He urged the establishment of local waste management committees and the organization of monthly community clean-up events.
“By working together, the community could reduce waste, stimulate the local economy, and protect both the environment and public health,” he noted.
To drive his points home, Salman called for collaboration with local authorities and organizations to conduct advocacy and training on waste management.
He concluded by calling for action to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations: “Let’s work together to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for ourselves and future generations.”
In closing, Lubem Gena reiterated the importance of community involvement in waste management efforts.
He emphasized that it is not just a government or corporate responsibility, but a collective one that requires participation from everyone.
“Let us rise to the challenge, act boldly, and protect the only planet we have,” Gena concluded.
The XR Abuja Local Group further demonstrated its commitment to this cause by donating a medium-sized dustbin to the community, symbolizing a tangible step toward improving waste management practices in Zhidu.
Adetutu Fountain, Head Teacher and representative of Agboola Abdulkadir, the Founder of Platinum Billionaires Minds School (PBMS), commended the XR Abuja Local Group for their commitment to raising awareness on waste management.
“This is a much-needed initiative. We are excited to partner with Extinction Rebellion to help educate our students and the wider community on the importance of proper waste disposal and sustainable practices. This advocacy event is an important step toward a cleaner and healthier environment for all,” she said.
The Community Chairman of Zhidu, Olushola Samuel also extended his appreciation to XR Abuja for organizing the event.
“We are deeply grateful to Extinction Rebellion for shining a spotlight on such a critical issue. Waste management is a pressing challenge in our community, and we believe that with the support of organizations like XR, we can make a lasting impact. Today’s event is a reminder that we all must come together to address these environmental challenges,” he remarked.
Ayomide Animaseun, the Youth Leader, added his voice to the call for action, thanking Extinction Rebellion Abuja for empowering the youth to take charge of their local environment. “It is inspiring to see young people from all walks of life coming together to address such a vital issue. Extinction Rebellion is providing us with the tools and the platform to create positive change in our community. I look forward to seeing more youth-led initiatives as we continue to push for a cleaner, greener future,” he said.
The Waste Management Advocacy Event successfully brought together the community in a shared mission to address the waste crisis, fostering a sense of responsibility and hope for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Attached are some images during the event:
