ACERD and ACE Recycles Calls For Commitment To Circular Economy And Household Participation On World Cleanup Day

UGHELLI, Delta State – September 20, 2025 – As the world marked World Cleanup Day, African Centre for Environmental and Rural Development (ACERD) and Ace Recycles Enterprise has issues a powerful call to action, urging a fundamental shift from periodic cleanups to a culture of daily environmental responsibility.

The event, organized by Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), saw all collected plastic waste diverted from landfills and transported to the ACE Recycling center. This strategic partnership underscored a critical message: cleaning the environment and creating economic value are two sides of the same coin.

Grace Chukwufumanya Ndobu, founder of Ace Recycles Enterprise, used the platform to engage directly with residents, educating them on the tangible benefits of proper waste segregation and recycling. She began by expressing her profound gratitude for the crucial support from the local government. “We are especially thankful to the Ughelli North Local Government Chairman, Honorable Jaro Egbo, whose provision of logistics and resources was instrumental in bringing this event to fruition,” Ndobu stated. “We are eager to sustain this collaboration for the lasting benefit of our environment.”

Ndobu passionately highlighted recycling as a profitable and growing industry. “A clean environment is not just a moral duty; it is a foundation for societal well-being and a source of income,” she said. “When you collect and separate plastics, cans, or paper from your regular food waste, you’re not just keeping your environment clean—you’re also earning something in return.” She demystified the process, encouraging households to start from their homes by simply sorting waste and partnering with local recyclers like ACE. “Even if all you make from it is enough to buy mobile data, it’s still something gained. That’s the beauty of recycling—it pays you while saving the environment.”

Nowho Fred, the Executive Director of ACERD, used the occasion to challenge all tiers of government—federal, state, and local—to prioritize continuous cleanliness over symbolic, one-off events. He emphasized that maintaining a hygienic society is a relentless daily obligation, not a monthly formality.

“It is not enough to allocate one day in 30 for environmental sanitation,” Fred stated emphatically. “If we are truly serious about safeguarding our environment and public health, we must move from rhetoric to practical, intentional action. Every day should be a cleanup day — not just the last Saturday of the month.”

Fred’s comments highlighted a recent public advocacy effort, including a radio program where he spoke against the limitations of the current monthly sanitation model. He stressed that sustainable development and public health are jeopardized when cleanliness is treated as an event rather than an ingrained habit. “Real change will only occur when both government and citizens treat environmental care as a daily obligation,” he concluded.

The cleanup activity, which targeted streets, major roads, and the bustling Otovwodo Market, served as a practical demonstration of this philosophy. ACERD and ACE Recycle participation underscored their commitment to moving beyond advocacy to on-the-ground action and collaboration.

The event also featured strong support from other environmental stakeholders. Benin Evuarherhe Richard, Co-founder of CODAF, emphasized the need for stricter laws against indiscriminate waste.

Richard emphasized the critical need for intentional cleanliness, stating that environmental care should be a shared responsibility between citizens and government institutions.

“At CODAF, the environment is our first constituency and a core focus of our work, which is why we chose to commemorate World Cleanup Day here in Ughelli, Delta State—where our head office is located—through a practical and impactful cleanup exercise across the streets, major roads, and Otovwodo Market.”

"Our aim is to lead by example and raise awareness about the importance of environmental responsibility. Sadly, many people still engage in harmful habits, such as indiscriminately throwing waste from moving vehicles—something I witnessed myself today. This kind of behavior undermines efforts toward a cleaner, healthier society. If we truly desire to live in a decent and hygienic environment, then it is our shared duty—both as individuals and as a community—to actively keep our surroundings clean."

The initiative received official commendation from Ikpibako Victory, Head of the Environment Department for Ughelli North LGA, who praised the collaboration between CODAF, ACERD, and the local government. “It has reinforced our public awareness campaigns, reminding people that hygiene is closely tied to godliness,” she said, noting that a clean environment is a healthier one.

The collective effort of the day culminated in all collected plastic waste being transported to a recycling center for a brand audit, the results of which are expected next week to identify the major contributors to plastic pollution in the area.