World Earth Day 2024: NGO to Train 77.4m Volunteers to Address Escalating Plastic Crisis

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A non-governmental organisation, Eco2ruppers Nigeria has called for 100,000 volunteers from the 774 Local Government Areas across the country to address the escalating crisis of plastic waste that threatens both human health and environmental stability.

In a statement issued yesterday, by Lead, Sustainable  Development Partner for Africa, Victor Wilkinson, the NGO said the initiative with the theme: “Uniting for a Plastic Pollution-Free Planet,” would train, empower and deploy eco-conscious youths in the largest Green Citizen action campaign in Africa.

It added that the national Eco-Marshalls Project was structured to accelerate the SDGs Decade of Action with women and youths at the frontline of climate-smart and resilient economies.

It pointed out that this year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” highlights the critical need to address the escalating crisis of plastic waste that threatens both human health and environmental stability.

The statement read: “In alignment with the United Nations’ global vision for comprehensive circular economy measures through the creation of opportunities to accelerate systems change and end plastic pollution, Eco2ruppers Nigeria aims to raise awareness and drive action towards a plastic pollution-free planet.

“The initiative underscores the urgency to phase out single-use plastics, support a robust UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution, and mobilise collective action to combat the detrimental impacts of plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health.

“In alignment with this global call to action, Eco2ruppers Nigeria calls on individuals, businesses, and governments to join us in building a healthier, plastic pollution-free future for generations to come.

“To catalyse this movement, Eco2ruppers Nigeria launches a nationwide call for action on World Earth Day 2024, inviting 100,000 volunteers from each Local Government Area (LGA) in Nigeria to join hands in realising a Plastic Pollution-Free nation.”

He added: “This initiative will train, empower and deploy eco-conscious youths in the largest Green Citizen action campaign in Africa. The national Eco-Marshalls Project is structured to accelerate the SDG Decade of Action with women and youths at the frontline of climate-smart and resilient economies.”