Answer Options
Correct Answer
A.
Plastic‑Free Town: Residents Rally to Cut Waste
LAGOS, 12 June 2023 — Residents of the Oko‑Awo neighbourhood launched the "Zero Plastic" campaign on Monday, aiming to curb the daily influx of single‑use plastic bags and bottles that litter the streets. The initiative, organised by the local youth club in partnership with the municipal council, began at 9 a.m. at the community centre, drawing over 150 volunteers who pledged to collect, sort, and recycle waste for the next six months.
"We wanted a visible change that shows we care about our environment and our children's future," said Chidinma Okafor, the youth club president. She added that the campaign will provide reusable bags at a subsidised price and set up collection points at strategic locations.
Local trader Emeka Nwankwo, whose shop sits on the main market road, noted, "Since the campaign started, I've seen fewer plastic bags on the pavement and more people using cloth bags. It makes the market cleaner and more pleasant for customers."
The municipal council has pledged to fund weekly collection trucks and to collaborate with recycling firms to turn the gathered plastic into raw material for local artisans. Volunteers will also conduct weekly awareness sessions in schools, teaching children about the hazards of plastic pollution.
By fostering community ownership and providing practical alternatives, the "Zero Plastic" campaign seeks to set a replicable model for other Lagos districts. If successful, it could significantly reduce the city's plastic footprint, improve public health, and inspire broader environmental stewardship across Nigeria.
The initiative underscores the power of grassroots action in tackling global challenges, reminding policymakers that lasting change often begins at the neighbourhood level.
B.
Zero‑Plastic Initiative: Abuja Youth Mobilise to Reduce Waste
ABUJA, 5 May 2023 — Residents of the Garki neighbourhood launched the "No Plastic" drive on Friday, aiming to eliminate single‑use plastic bottles and bags from the market area. The programme, organised by the Abuja Green Club in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory administration, began at 10 a.m. at the community hall, attracting about 120 volunteers who will conduct weekly clean‑ups for the next year.
"We want to show that a cleaner environment is possible with collective effort," said Aisha Bello, the club coordinator. She noted that the initiative will distribute reusable tote bags at a discounted rate and install recycling bins at key points.
Local vendor Musa Ibrahim, whose stall is on the main boulevard, observed, "Since the start, I've seen fewer plastic wrappers on the sidewalks and more shoppers using cloth bags. It makes the market more pleasant."
The FCT administration has committed to provide collection trucks and partner with recycling firms to convert collected plastic into raw material for local crafts. Volunteers will also hold educational talks in schools about the dangers of plastic pollution.
By encouraging community participation and offering practical alternatives, the "No Plastic" drive aims to serve as a model for other districts in Nigeria. Success could markedly lower Abuja's plastic waste, improve public health, and promote environmental stewardship nationwide.
The effort highlights how grassroots movements can address global environmental challenges, reminding officials that lasting change often begins at the local level.
C.
Neighborhood Plastic Ban Sparks Debate in Kano
KANO, 2 August 2023 — Residents of the Sabon Gari district announced a voluntary ban on single‑use plastic bags during the weekend market, aiming to curb litter and protect the city's drainage system. The effort, organised by the Kano Community Council together with local NGOs, began at 7 a.m. on Saturday, with about 80 volunteers handing out reusable canvas bags and setting up collection points for discarded plastics.
"We believe a small step can lead to a cleaner city for everyone," said Fatima Yusuf, council chairperson. She highlighted that the ban will be reviewed after three months based on community feedback.
Market trader Ibrahim Ali noted, "At first I was skeptical, but customers are now bringing their own bags and the streets look tidier. It may encourage other markets to follow suit."
The municipal authorities have pledged to provide additional waste bins and to work with a regional recycling firm to process the collected material. School outreach programmes will also be conducted to raise awareness among children about the hazards of plastic waste.
While some merchants worry about the cost of alternatives, supporters argue that the long‑term benefits—reduced flooding, cleaner public spaces, and healthier residents—outweigh short‑term inconveniences. If successful, the pilot could inspire a city‑wide policy on plastic reduction.
The initiative demonstrates how local advocacy can spark broader environmental reforms, reminding policymakers that community engagement is key to sustainable change.
D.
Eco‑Warriors Launch Reusable Bottle Scheme in Port Harcourt
PORT HARCOURT, 20 July 2023 — The Port Harcourt Environmental Alliance unveiled a city‑wide reusable bottle programme on Thursday, targeting the reduction of single‑use plastic bottles sold at street stalls and petrol stations. The campaign, spearheaded by local university students in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, kicked off at 8 a.m. in the city centre, drawing roughly 200 participants who pledged to distribute 5,000 stainless‑steel bottles over the next six months.
"Our goal is to cut down on plastic litter that chokes our waterways," explained Chukwudi Okonkwo, the student leader. He added that the programme will offer the bottles at a subsidised price and set up refill stations at major bus terminals.
Vendor Adaeze Nwosu, who runs a popular snack kiosk, remarked, "Since the scheme began, I've noticed fewer discarded bottles on the streets and more customers bringing their own. It's cleaner and boosts my business reputation."
The state government has agreed to fund mobile collection units and collaborate with a local recycling plant to melt down any residual plastic waste. Educational workshops will also be held in secondary schools to teach youths about the impact of plastic pollution.
If the initiative gains traction, it could serve as a blueprint for other Nigerian cities seeking to curb plastic waste, improve public health, and foster a culture of sustainability.
The programme underscores the influence of community‑driven projects in tackling environmental issues, proving that change starts with everyday actions.