Youths Caution Citizens Against Harmful Environmental Practices During Advocacy Walk In Ibadan
By: Mosope Kehinde
Some youths in Ibadan, Oyo state capital have challenged citizens be socially and environmentally responsible at reducing the impact of climate change in Nigeria
They made this known while speaking with newsarena.ng on the need for a cleaner and healthier environmental friendly society during an advocacy walk organized by Smart Impact Network in Ibadan
While emphasizing the significance of creating adequate awareness against harmful environmental practices that promote the effect of climate change in Nigeria, the youths believe everybody has a role to play.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the walk which kicked off at the University of Ibadan and terminated at Sango market, the convener and executive director, Smart Impact Network, Mr Ayomipo Ademilusi said the focus on advocating attitudinal change, matters affecting climate change and harmful environmental practices should not only be on government and policy makers but on members of the public.
He said “our advocacy this morning is not just about government, many times people put blame on government, maybe government can only do what it can do, but social accountability is all about everybody, citizens, Young People, women, coming out to ensure that we have an aggregate action that is able to tackle the greater enemy on earth now which is climate change”
“We’re concerned, our communities cannot do better if you don’t cry out. Climate change is a global crisis, but its impacts are felt most acutely in Africa.
While cautioning citizens against indiscriminate dumping of refuse, bush burning, cutting down of trees and emission of smoke into the air to avoid the impacts of climate change, Mr Ademilusi advised citizens to choose eco-friendly lifestyle.
Also speaking, an environmental enthusiast, Miss Halleluyah Ademola who charged government at all levels to do more in the implementation of environmental laws expressed worry that residents of Oyo state still dump refuse by the roadside.
Miss Ademola also appealed to government to ensure proper waste management is affordable and accessible.
The awareness exercise tagged “The Ibadan Climate Awareness Walk 2024” and supported by Global Youth Leadership Center as well as World Bank Group’s Global Partnership for Social Accountability featured Clean Ups and one-on-one enlightenment campaign with market men and women in Ibadan metropolis.
Mosope Kehinde
