NCF raises awareness over plastic pollution

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) organized a sensitization program among stakeholders in New Bussa, Niger state to raise awareness about the problems of plastic pollution.

Speakers at the event included Mr Ibrahim Likita, the NCF field project coordinator, and Mr Kehinde Adelakun, a lecturer from the Federal College of Wildlife Management. They emphasized that an estimated 19-23 million tonnes of plastics end up in lakes, rivers, and seas annually, directly and indirectly affecting both humans and wildlife.

During their presentations, they discussed the menace of plastic pollution and its negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity.

“More than 430 million tons of plastic are produced every year worldwide, with half of it designed for single-use, and less than 10 per cent of it gets recycled. An estimated 19-23 million tonnes of plastics end up in lakes, rivers, and seas annually, directly and indirectly affecting both humans and wildlife. Plastic materials are non-degradable and contribute to the pollution of soil and water. Wildlife, especially in the aquatic environment, often ingests these plastics as microplastics or macroplastics, leading to physical harm.”

The speakers also emphasized the need for proper disposal of plastic waste to curb pollution. Participants were educated on the use of plastic alternatives like bioplastics, as well as the importance of reusing, reducing, and recycling plastics before they become waste materials.

Both speakers highlighted practical steps that governments, businesses, and individuals need to take to tackle plastic pollution.

During Mr Adelakun’s presentation, he discussed the history of World Environment Day and the significance of joining the global community in taking action against the menace of plastic pollution, which is the theme of this year’s event.

The event also featured a quiz competition and an interactive session among invited schools. Baptist College, New Bussa emerged as the winner, with Borgu Royal College and Mainstream Energy Solution School as runners-up.

The event concluded with a three-kilometre awareness walk, during which participants collected plastic waste while displaying educational materials on the subject.

Eight schools from Borgu LGA were in attendance, including the Federal College of Wildlife Management, Government Day Secondary School Karabonde, Federal Government College, Borgu Royal College, First Baptist College, Borgu Science College, Hadiza Islamic Memorial College, and Mainstream Energy Solution Schools.

Mr Likita stated that the event was one way to contribute to the solution of the challenges posed by plastic pollution. “We hope that our message will reach beyond this place and this day so that more people can relate to it and act as expected.”

Also in attendance were Dr Sule Mohammed, Executive Director of the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR); Mallam Yusuf Gunu, representing the Conservator of the Park; Mallam Mohammed Garba from Hadiza Islamic Memorial College; and Mallam Attahiru Jikantoro, District Head of Kitoro, representing the Borgu Emirate Council.

World Environment Day is typically commemorated globally on June 5th each year to promote consciousness and raise awareness about the protection of the environment. The event took place in New Bussa, Borgu LGA, Niger State, as part of the ongoing project titled “Emergency Rescue of Nigeria’s Last Population of the West African Wildcats (lions and leopards)” at Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP).

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