…As UNICROSS, Hope Waddel Clinch 1st in Plastic Pollution Presentations
By Sylvia Okoi
In commemoration of World Environment Day 2025, the Cross River State Government has urged stakeholders and residents to join the global fight against plastic pollution, striving for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable State.
Speaking during the celebrations held at the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar, Governor Bassey Edet Otu addressed the detrimental environmental challenges caused by years of indiscriminate use and improper disposal of single-use plastics.
He highlighted that plastic waste has led to increased flooding, soil degradation, public health risks, and the defacement of both urban and rural landscapes.
Represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, the Governor emphasized that the campaign to end plastic pollution is not only achievable but essential, requiring a multi-dimensional approach that includes public participation.
He outlined key steps taken by the state government to address plastic waste issues, which include reviewing existing environmental regulations to enhance enforcement against illegal dumping and open burning of plastic waste, as well as promoting the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives in markets and public institutions.
Otu encouraged stakeholders, Government officials, and non-state actors to support Cross River State in its ambition to become a model of environmental stewardship in Nigeria and beyond.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Ovat Agbor, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment in the Cross River State House of Assembly, expressed that environmental degradation poses a significant challenge to humanity.
He praised the State Government for dedicating a day to raise awareness about environmental stewardship, asserting that environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility.
Dr. Eyo Orok Edet from the University of Calabar, in his keynote address, underscored the threat of plastic waste to ecosystems and urged relevant stakeholders to take action in building waste management infrastructure to combat this crisis.
In related news, the University of Cross River State secured first place in the Tertiary Institution competition category for their presentation on plastic pollution, followed by the University of Calabar in second place and Arthur Javis University, Akpabuyo, in third. In the secondary school category, Hope Waddel Training Institution, Calabar, took first , Federal Government Girls’ College, Calabar, claimed second prize, while University of Calabar International Demonstration School,Calabar, took third.
The event which featured exhibitions of recycled materials by schools and NGOs, cultural dances, and a playlet, brought together stakeholders, government officials, traditional rulers, NGOs and students also saw Mr. Sonigitu Ekpe, Director of Ecology and Biodiversity, delivered an informative lecture on the harmful effects of Styrofoam.
This year’s World Environment Day theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally,” aims to provide lasting solutions to the plastic waste crisis.