A coalition of scientists, geologists, environmental journalists, civil society organisations, and faith-based groups has commended the Kaduna State Government for reintroducing the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
The commendation was made during the August edition of the Kaduna Climate Media Hangout, held at the Media Training and Research Centre (HMTRC) of the Federal Ministry of Information in Kaduna.
The hangout, organized by the Desk on Climate Change and Environmental Issues at the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), in collaboration with African Climate Reporters (ACR) and the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, brought together various stakeholders to review the state’s environmental policies and challenges.
Participants praised the state government’s renewed commitment to a cleaner and healthier environment. According to them, the decision to reinstate the sanitation exercise beginning at the end of September 2025 marks a significant step towards achieving a greener Kaduna.
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During the roundtable discussion, Yahaya Mohammed, Controller General of the Safety Awareness and Environmental Support Initiative (SAESI), confirmed that the state would reintroduce the monthly environmental sanitation on the last Saturday of each month.
The exercise will last for three hours, during which residents are expected to clean their surroundings and stay at home
He added that relevant laws and policies were being prepared to support the initiative and ensure full compliance.
He called on the public to actively participate and emphasized the importance of sustained public awareness campaigns on environmental hygiene.
Speaking at the meeting, Samson Auta, Co-Director of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, encouraged citizens to take personal responsibility by staying home and using the time to clean their immediate environment. “Cleanliness is next to godliness,” he said, urging religious and traditional leaders to lead by example in raising public awareness.
Dr. Abubakar Shafiu, Head of Research and Diagnostics at African Climate Reporters and a lecturer at the School of Health Science and Technology, in Kaduna, stressed the link between environmental cleanliness and public health.
He noted that many diseases affecting humans and animals are directly related to improper waste disposal and environmental neglect.
Similarly, the African Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies (AIWES) lauded the government’s decision.
Its Registrar, Dr. Abdullateef Tayo, highlighted the importance of collaboration among environmental organizations in sensitizing the public.
He described the reintroduction of the sanitation exercise as a crucial move in the fight against diseases like malaria, typhoid, and cholera.
In a goodwill message, the Special Adviser to kaduna state Governor on Climate Change, Yusuf Idris, expressed appreciation to the organizers of the Climate Media Hangout.
He called on residents to support government initiatives aimed at tackling climate and environmental challenges.
He also encouraged media professionals to amplify stories around climate action and explore opportunities in carbon credit and environmental journalism.
“There are huge opportunities in climate journalism,” he added, “and the media must continue to play its role in informing and educating the public.”