The Anambra State Government, in a bold step toward environmental sustainability, has launched the “All Anambra Plastic Pickup Challenge”, an initiative aimed at removing over 10,000 tonnes of plastic waste from drainages, roads, and water bodies across the state.
The challenge is part of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s broader “Clean, Green, and Sustainable Environment” campaign. It seeks to mobilise communities and institutions to tackle the growing menace of plastic pollution while offering incentives and recognition to participants.
Speaking in Awka during a public awareness and sensitisation campaign, the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odimegwu, urged residents, business owners, NGOs, religious bodies, private and public institutions, and schools to actively participate in the initiative.
“This is more than a cleanup; it’s a call for collective action,” said Engr. Odimegwu. “Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time, and Anambra State is taking a proactive step in line with this year’s World Environment Day theme: ‘Solutions to Plastic Pollution’.”
The sensitisation walk, led by the Ministry of Environment, took off from the Jerome Udoji Secretariat through Aroma to UNIZIK Junction and Ekwueme Square. Participants, including ministry staff, directors, and departmental heads, picked plastic bottles and sachet wrappers from drainage channels while educating passersby on the importance of keeping waterways clean and free-flowing.
The Commissioner announced that the challenge will reward individuals and communities who collect the highest volumes of plastic waste under three categories: urban, semi-urban, and rural. Prizes will be awarded to winners in both the “volume collected” and “overall cleanliness” categories.
He noted that to encourage widespread participation, the ministry is partnering with recycling firms that will “off-take” plastics from individuals and provide instant financial compensation.
The Commissioner added that the “All Anambra Plastic Pickup Challenge” is seen as a timely intervention as the rainy season approaches, with blocked drainage systems posing notable flood risks across the state.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ngozi Ilouno, highlighted the ministry’s ongoing commitment to the governor’s environmental agenda, including early initiatives like the desilting of drainages across the state.
“We are also taking enforcement seriously,” she said. “Anyone whose drainage is blocked will soon face legal action. We are working with the Ministry of Justice to drive behavioural change and protect our environment.”
Mrs. Oluchi Nwankwu, Director of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, emphasised the economic value of the initiative.
“Plastic collection is no longer just about cleanliness; it’s now a source of income. Every plastic bottle picked has a price tag, and our people are beginning to see the value in that.”