Don Urges Nigerians To Recycle Plastic Materials

Don Urges Nigerians To Recycle Plastic Materials

...As Okosun Calls For Collective Action To  Mitigate Impact Of Environmental Pollution

Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin 

A Professor of Environmental Chemistry, at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Michael O. Osuide. miwa, said the earth can die of plastic suffocation; that if the earth dies, man dies. 

The university lecturer added that, man has the responsibility to protect himself and his environment, otherwise, he faces existential threat. He said Nigerians should try and recycle plastic waste for the betterment of the society.

The Prof of Environmental Chemistry made the assertion at the 2025 World Environmental Day, with the theme:" Plastic Pollution: Addressing the Crisis and Innovation for a Sustainable Future," organised by Clean Energy and Environment Advocacy Initiative in collaboration with Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Benin city, Edo state.

Osuide who is the guest speaker of the event posited that, one of the most challenging issues facing the world environment today is “Plastic Pollution”. 

"Environmental pollution is the deliberate or the innocuous introduction of harmful substances or energy into the environment which amounts to contamination, leading to adverse effect on living and non-living things. 

"One of the most challenging issues facing the world Environment today is “Plastic Pollution”. Plastics are a group of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials: made from organic polymers.

" They are very common place, used in almost every facet of our social life, mainly as packaging material, within the family at homes, offices, schools, hospitals, on the streets, including ceremonies and conferences such as this etc. Plastics have become a ubiquity because it is very “convenient’” to use," he stated.

The Prof of Environmental Chemistry said plastics are a high social utility commodity that find wide practical application, and of immense benefit to society’s well being, ease and quality of life.

He listed the features and utilities, which he said is predicated on its properties of being:versatile, durable and light weighted.

Osuide identified the major hazard as wider environmental implications include, fishes in the rivers and seas that have been caught and found to have plastics stuck in their gills; reduction in soil fertility due to plastic interferences in soil nutrient uptakes, land wastages due to massive plastic build—up as waste and others.

He outlined the solutions as; a return to paper use culture as much as possible; paper clegrades easier  and faster than plastics, discourage and limit the use of cellophane as packaging material as much as possible, encourage, morally and legally the re-use of plastic containers particularly, trying to eliminate single-use of plastics. 

In his address, the coordinator, Clean Energy and Environment Advocacy Initiative, Sunny Duke Okosun, said crude oil pollution, air pollution, deforestation, decertification, plastic pollution,flooding and erosion and global warming and climate change are all threats to human existence.

Okosun therefore call for possible ways to address the issues, such as ; to reduce our carbon footprint by transitioning to renewable energy sources and promoting energy efficiency, Planting of trees and support reforestation efforts to restore ecosystems and mitigate climate change. 

Others is to implement sustainable practices such as reducing, reusing, and recycling to minimize waste and pollution, to support eco-friendly policies and advocate for environmental protection and to 

educate and raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. 

"Let's work together to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future for all. We can make a difference by taking small steps in our daily lives.

"Such as: - Using public transport or carpooling,reducing plastic use, conserving water and energy, supporting local conservation efforts.

"By collective action and sustainable practices, we can mitigate the ‘impacts of environmental pollution and create a better world for generations to come," he added.

According to the chairman of the occasion, Emeritus professor Felix Okeimen, said dumping of wastes anyhow affect our environments.

The former Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Benin also urged the organiser of the event to mobilise more people in Edo state to manage their wastes to avoid plastic pollution.

During the panel session, the Managing Director, Edo State Waste Management Board, Lucky Enehita Inegbenehi, said between January to June 2025 a total of six hundred and sixty six defaulters have been arrested in the 18 local government areas in the state.

Inegbenehi posited that, if we want to protect our environment we must adhere to everyday cleaning to prevent plastic pollution.

For Prof. Mike Omoigberale, Chairman, Nigeria Environmental Society, Edo state, said the law to protect our environment is already enacted, but it is the implementation of the law that is the problem.  

He said all hands must be on deck to protect our environment from plastic pollution.

The 2025 World Environmental Day also use the opportunity to give an  award to those who have distinguished themselves in their various profession and work.