The Plateau State directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has celebrated the 2025 World Environment Day with a special message to residents of the state.
In the heartwarming message delivered on the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” by the state Director of the NOA, Mrs Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, the agency called for a shared responsibility by all and sundry to protect the environment and preserve the heritage of Plateau State.
The message by Mrs. Pam-Hworo reads:
“As we mark World Environment Day 2025, I extend my warmest greetings to you all. This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” calls us to reflect on the beauty of our environment and our shared duty to protect it for future generations.
“Yet, as we confront plastic waste, we must also address another urgent threat: devastating floods that endanger lives, livelihoods, and our ecosystems.
“Plateau State is blessed with breathtaking landscapes, fertile farmlands, and vibrant communities. However, plastic pollution clogs our drains and rivers, worsening floods that displace families, destroy crops, and spread disease.
“Recent floods in Niger State, claiming over 200 lives and displacing thousands, remind us that environmental neglect has dire consequences. Here in Plateau, we must act now to prevent such tragedies.
Plastic Waste Aggravates Flooding:
* Discarded plastics block waterways, causing overflow that submerges homes and farms.
* Floodwaters contaminated with plastic debris breed cholera and other diseases.
* Floods destroy crops and infrastructure, pushing vulnerable communities deeper into poverty.
This year’s theme reminds us that every action counts.
Let’s:
* Reduce plastic use to keep drains clear and prevent floods.
* Observe sanitation days and support government efforts to dredge waterways and reclaim gullies.
* Educate neighbors on proper waste disposal and flood preparedness, as NiMet warns of heavy rains in June.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Plateau State, pledges to lead the charge against plastic pollution and its devastating effects on our communities.
We will:
* Intensify grassroots advocacy to educate citizens on the plastic-flood connection.
* Mobilize community action to adhere to monthly clean-up exercises in flood-prone areas and support drainage maintenance initiatives.
* Strengthen partnerships with NEMA, SUBEB, and local governments to implement sustainable waste management systems.
* Champion policy compliance by ensuring environmental laws and sanitation regulations are understood and upheld across all LGAs.
This is not just our duty; it’s our sacred responsibility to protect Plateau’s future. When we beat plastic pollution, we prevent floods.
When we prevent floods, we save lives. The time for action is NOW, and NOA will be at the forefront of this critical mission. The environment is our shared heritage.
Let’s preserve it today!
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Plateau State, pledges to lead the charge against plastic pollution and its devastating effects on our communities.
We will:
* Intensify grassroots advocacy through town halls, school programs, and media campaigns to educate citizens on the plastic-flood connection.
* Mobilize community action by organizing monthly clean-up exercises in flood-prone areas and supporting drainage maintenance initiatives.
* Strengthen partnerships with NEMA, SUBEB, and local governments to implement sustainable waste management systems.
* Champion policy compliance by ensuring environmental laws and sanitation regulations are understood and upheld across all LGAs.
This is not just our duty; it’s our sacred responsibility to protect Plateau’s future. When we beat plastic pollution, we prevent floods.
When we prevent floods, we save lives. The time for action is NOW, and NOA will be at the forefront of this critical mission.”
