Kano state Governor, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf says dealing with plastic pollution as collective responsibility for all in order to ensure healthy environment free of plastic waste.
The Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa in a statement on Monday said Governor Yusuf gave the guidance while delivering his speech at the premises of Yusuf Maitama Sule University as part of the commemorations of Word Environment day.
The Day is set aside by the United Nations to specifically recognize the need for according our environment the requisite attention it deserves, with a view to safeguard humanity annually celebrated worldwide. This year’s theme is “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
Governor Yusuf recalled with nostalgia how Kano used to be a land with natural beauty but the effect of indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste is posing threat in the environmental wellbeing of the city.
He said: “Kano is land blessed with natural beauty, however, like many places around the world we are grappling with adverse effects of plastic pollution.”
The Governor proffered solutions to the menance “we must raise awareness about the detrimental impacts of plastic pollution on our environment as well as responsive waste management.
“Education is the key to changes behaviours and foster a culture of environmental stewardship through community engagements, schools programs and public campaign.
“We can empower our citizens with the knowledge to make informed choices and take actions against plastic pollution.”
He added that to fight plastic pollution in Kano, people need to prioritize the reduction of single use of plastic and businesses, individuals and government institutions to adopt sustainable alternatives such as; re-use bags, bottles and packaging by promoting and supporting local initiatives that provide eco-friendly alternative.
Dr Dahir Hashim, an evironmentalist presented a paper on the need for people to play their role in safeguarding and preserving the environment for the well-being of all life on our planet.
Governor Yusuf planted trees at the venue of the occasion with the support of his deputy and other top government functionaries.
The “keep Kano Clean” campaign was launched at Dandago primary school.
