By: Manoah Kikekon
Badagry, Lagos – The Green Janitors Sustainable Initiative, in partnership with Rotaract District 9111, and other Youth groups has mobilised a significant cleanup exercise across multiple states to commemorate World Cleanup Day 2025.
The initiative saw volunteers descend upon major public spaces, with a flagship event at the Badagry Roundabout in Lagos State, alongside simultaneous cleanups in 25 other locations.
The collaborative effort, which took place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, extended beyond the borders of Lagos. According to organisers, activities were coordinated in key areas including Agbara, Ikorodu, Isolo, Bariga, Surulere, as well as in Delta State (Warri), and Oyo State (Ibadan and Ife). This wide-reaching approach underscores a concerted push to address waste management issues on a regional scale.
A Unified Front for a Cleaner Environment
Mr. Ashade Abdulsalam, the Founder and Director of Green Janitors Sustainable Initiative, emphasised the symbolic and practical importance of the day. "As you can see, volunteers are out to register their footprint on the environment," he stated.
"It will interest you to know that this exercise is happening in 25 different locations. Here in Badagry, we are at the Roundabout, Ajagamibo Market, and Gbaji. We are trying to sanitize the people and send advocacy towards managing their waste."
Tackling the Overlooked Crisis of Textile Waste
Beyond general waste collection, the event served as a platform for critical environmental education. Mr. Abdulsalam highlighted a key focus: "Particularly tackling textiles and fashion waste through circular fashion. People don’t know that the clothes they wear are recyclable.
The idea is to reduce the amount of clothing waste; instead of you wasting it, why not just repair it?" The core message to communities was the importance of waste separation at the source, distinguishing between general waste and recyclable materials to foster a circular economy.
Rotaract Mobilises Youth for Humanitarian Action
The partnership was strengthened by the extensive network of Rotaract District 9111. Representing the district, Danthon Israel, the District Chairperson for Supporting the Environment and a member of the Rotaract Club of Ajara, explained their role.
"Rotaract is a humanitarian organisation that carries out various humanitarian services. We encourage youths to join us for us to further better our society," Israel stated. He pointed to the cleanup as a prime example of their commitment to environmental causes.
Building on Momentum for Future Impact
The success of the World Cleanup Day collaboration appears to be a springboard for continued action. Danthon Israel hinted at future projects, announcing, "One of our upcoming projects is the Great Trek on October 4, 2025," signalling a sustained commitment to community engagement and environmental advocacy from the youth-led organisation.