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International Coastal Cleanup 2020 Nigeria — #myTRASHchallenge: Anti-Littering Campaign Phase 3
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Field Report · 2020

International Coastal Cleanup 2020 Nigeria — #myTRASHchallenge: Anti-Littering Campaign Phase 3

Nationwide post-pandemic cleanup marking the 35th anniversary of Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup — community cleanups, media sensitisation and eco-education across four geopolitical zones.

Date

August – December 2020

Location

Port Harcourt · Lagos · Abuja · Ibadan · Aba · Lafia

Facilitator

Wonne Afronelly (Lead) with state facilitators

Partners

Ocean Conservancy (USA)YALI Rivers State HubRotaract Club of Port HarcourtCreative HandsCERPMIST Environmental AcademyLuther Welfare CentreNigerian Bar Association (NBA)Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)9 Brigade, Nigerian Army — Ikeja Cantonment
International Coastal Cleanup 2020 Nigeria — #myTRASHchallenge: Anti-Littering Campaign Phase 3

Executive Summary

What we set out to do

Phase 3 of the Anti-Littering Campaign, tagged #myTRASHchallenge, ran nationwide from August through December 2020 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, MyEnvironment MyWealth coordinated cleanups, market sanitation drives, media sensitisation tours and eco-education sessions across four of Nigeria's six geopolitical zones — engaging citizens, students, traders, community leaders and the Nigerian Army in building a culture of proper waste management.

Objectives

Goals for this work

  • Commemorate the 35th anniversary of Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup in Nigeria.
  • Sensitise citizens on the importance of regular sanitation as a path to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation).
  • Mobilise volunteers across markets, parks and waterways for documented cleanups using the Clean Swell App.
  • Promote Nigeria's first Anti-Littering Song to embed good environmental habits in everyday culture.
  • Build lasting partnerships with youth networks, government bodies and corporate sponsors.

Activities Conducted

On-the-ground execution

Oil Mill Market Community Cleanup (Port Harcourt)

August 29, 2020 East-West Road, Oil Mill Market axis, Port Harcourt

In partnership with YALI Rivers State Hub, Rotaract Club of Port Harcourt, Creative Hands and CERPMIST Environmental Academy. 35 youth volunteers evacuated 40 trash bags weighing approximately 900kg. Certificates of appreciation from Ocean Conservancy were presented to outstanding participants.

Abuja Media Sensitisation & Park Cleanup

September 19–22, 2020 KISS FM · Nigeria Info · NTA Abuja

Radio and television sensitisation across three Abuja-based stations followed by a public park cleanup. Facilitated by Joy Wonne.

Rumuomasi Market Cleanup (World Cleanup Day)

September 19, 2020 Rumuomasi Market, Port Harcourt

Marking World Cleanup Day 2020 with the Rivers State chapter of the Association for Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness International. About 20 filled bags of waste (≈400kg) were evacuated; traders sensitised on disease prevention through clean environments.

Aba Mass Market Cleanup (Abia State)

October 1, 2020 Aba, Abia State

Mass market cleanup facilitated by Joshua Osinachi.

Eleme Cleanup & Water Test with Orphans & Vulnerable Children

October 30, 2020 Luther Welfare Centre, Eleme

Community cleanup combined with a water-quality test and the launch of an Eco Library for orphans and vulnerable children. Facilitated by Favour Kaa.

Lagos Media Sensitisation & NBA – FRCN Mass Cleanup

December 10–22, 2020 Ikeja, Lagos

Stakeholder pitch to NBA management, drainage channel survey inside and outside the 9 Brigade Ikeja Cantonment in partnership with the Nigerian Army, Ministry of Environment and NBA students — culminating in mass drainage cleanup.

Ibadan Media Sensitisation

December 13, 2020 Ibadan, Oyo State

South-West media sensitisation hosted by Wonne Afronelly.

Lafia Waterway Survey

September 19, 2020 Lafia, Nasarawa State

World Fish Migration Day field survey of inland waterways — most rivers were found dry, informing future programming. Facilitated by Zhedoga Christopher.

Impact Statistics

What the numbers say

900kg

Waste removed — Oil Mill Market

400kg

Waste removed — Rumuomasi Market

6

States activated

200

Locations under one campaign

4 of 6

Geopolitical zones reached

35+

Youth mobilised in Port Harcourt alone

Photo Gallery

Moments from the field

Outcomes

What changed because of this work

  • Nationwide visibility for the #myTRASHchallenge brand across radio, TV and community press.
  • Documented trash audit data collected on Ocean Conservancy Trash Data Cards.
  • Permanent partnerships established with YALI Rivers State Hub, Luther Welfare Centre, NBA and the Nigerian Army.
  • Launch of the Eco Library at Luther Welfare Centre for orphans and vulnerable children.
  • Promotion of Nigeria's first Anti-Littering Song (bit.ly/NOLITTERS) as a tool for behaviour change.

Recommendations

Where we go from here

  • Adopt bi-monthly community cleanups as a standing civic obligation across partner locations.
  • Embed the Clean Swell App and Trash Data Cards in every event for verifiable impact data.
  • Expand schools' eco-curriculum to formalise waste management education from primary level.
  • Deepen partnerships with security agencies for safe access to barracks and restricted waterways.
  • Sustain media tours quarterly to keep environmental responsibility in the national conversation.

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