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By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Com. Aladeotan David, NYCN executives and Sanitation officers |
Com. Aladeotan David, AKA Water, the coordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Badagry West, Local Council Development Area, LCDA, has told the youth in his constituency that this is just the beginning of new developments after three years in office.
He disclosed this to News Peddlers at Beach cleanup of Badagry West LDCA, youth week, commenced on Wednesday to commemorate International Youth Day.
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| Badagry West Beach cleanup |
The four-day programme was unveiled with Cleanup at Suntan Beach Badagry in order to send signals to other environmentalists and other persons that the cleanliness of the environment is important.
"We are also using the Avenue to inform the local people that we must continue to clean the environment, which should not be done only on International Youth Day".
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| Com. Aaladeotan David and cleanup volunteers |
Aladeotan, who was not happy with the turnout, said the youth's need to start using their social media influence for the benefit of their community. "I was expecting thousands of youths today, but it's quite unfortunate that we are having below 500, which shows our youths don't take environmental cleanliness seriously."
Aladeotan, who had spent three years in office by August, said the three years have been full of activities. As the youth executive, he has faced a series of challenges but will never allow that to discourage him, as he has sworn an oath to defend the youth constituency. "That alone has kept us going even during these economic hardships".
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| Com. Aaladeotan David and cleanup volunteers |
"One of the big achievements is the establishment of the Badagry Youth Academy, which serves as a platform to train young people. Recently, we have trained and empowered 60 young people for a period of six months in partnership with the RAK Development Foundation. The council chairman also recently empowered 45 members of the constituency, and I'm also informed that this year's International Youth Day, some of us will be empowered.
"This is just the beginning; we don't need to be discouraged until we deliver the constituency. The current commissioner of the youth is from Badagry, which is a plus to us in lifting the standards of the Constituency," he said.
Sanitarian, Poheto John Sewanu, representing the environmental services department at Badagry West LCDA, said cleanup is expected to be the usual habit of the people. "Because our environment is paramount to us, and if you have a healthy environment, that means you and your family will live healthy.
"Badagry Youth LCDA has chosen to do the right thing in relation to our job because we preach the gospel of cleanliness. Badagry West people listen to the government and are very proactive. The only challenge is that the people are not enlightened enough they hardly know the importance of waste management, so there is a need for us to do more sensitisation," he added.
Mr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan, the coordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Odiolowo Ojuore LCDA, who was also at the cleanup, said, "It takes someone with a high level of persistence and dedication to pool this through. And that is why I'm here to support him. Engaging in environmental cleanups is important and better than other social vices.
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| Badagry West NYCN executives at cleanup |
Most of the maniac that happens within our society is initiated by the youth, and they need to see the need to engage in activities that will improve our country.
Mr. Awumenu Joseph, the Chairman, Directorate for Agriculture, NYCN Badagry West LCDA, said, "It is high time we take up the responsibility of cleaning our environment. This is important if we want to have a healthy environment." He urged the youths to be part of such activity as it is important and has an impact on the lives of people.