Abia State is set to join the global community in commemorating World Clean-Up Day on September 20, as the government continues its push for a cleaner, healthier environment. This initiative is part of the state’s broader efforts toward sustainable waste management, led by Governor Alex Otti.
In a statement released by the General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Ogbonnia Okereke, the administration highlighted the remarkable progress made under Governor Otti’s leadership. The statement emphasized the critical importance of maintaining a clean environment for the well-being of the state’s residents.
“Before this administration, cities like Aba and Umuahia faced significant waste challenges, posing serious health risks to Ndi Abia,” Okereke stated. “But upon taking office, Governor Otti swiftly declared a State of Emergency on Waste Management, mobilizing a task force to clear the backlog of waste that had accumulated over time.”
Thanks to these efforts, Abia has witnessed a transformation in its waste management system, with ASEPA being revitalized to ensure consistent sanitation practices. The government is committed to positioning Abia as a model for sustainable waste management in Nigeria, with a focus on long-term environmental health.
As part of World Clean-Up Day celebrations, the state government is calling on all residents of Abia to take an active role in keeping their surroundings clean. Okereke stressed that maintaining a clean environment is a collective responsibility. “Every citizen must contribute to the mission of building a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Abia,” he said.
Related NewsNew Abia Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa Vows to Restore Peace and Security
Governor Otti Begins Payment of N17.63 Billion Salary Arrears to Abia Institutions
Residents are urged to bag their waste in biodegradable materials for proper disposal and avoid dumping refuse in unauthorized locations or drains, which can lead to flooding and environmental hazards. ASEPA also reminded the public to pay their sanitation fees on time, as this supports essential public services and the state’s new recycling initiatives.
Under Governor Otti’s leadership, Abia has adopted modern waste management strategies, aligning with the United Nations’ Zero Waste Agenda and the Circular Economy Model. These initiatives aim to convert waste into valuable resources, such as consumer goods, fertilizers, and energy. Abia is moving beyond the traditional 3 Rs of waste management (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), incorporating advanced practices like Refuse, Rethink, Repair, and Repurpose.
“We’re shifting the narrative around waste. What used to be a problem is now seen as an opportunity for innovation and economic growth,” Okereke added. “This comprehensive approach will ensure that waste is managed in a way that benefits both the environment and the economy.”
ASEPA remains committed to ensuring quick and efficient waste evacuation from collection points, homes, businesses, and markets. “Our goal is to maintain a healthy and clean Abia for all,” Okereke reiterated. “We encourage all Ndi Abia to support this vision and continue collaborating with the state government to keep Abia clean.”
Through the continued efforts of Governor Otti’s administration, Abia State is shedding its former image and rapidly emerging as one of Nigeria’s cleanest states.
