By Peter Dansu Badagry witnessed another defining moment in grassroots environmental advocacy on Saturday as the Clean-Up Badagry Initiativ...
By Peter Dansu
Badagry witnessed another defining moment in grassroots environmental advocacy on Saturday as the Clean-Up Badagry Initiative celebrated its first anniversary, placing young girls at the centre of the conversation on sustainability and community responsibility.
The anniversary programme, titled Girls on the Frontline of Change and held at the RMG Event Hall, Toga, was organised under the theme Nurturing Her, Nurturing the Earth. The event marked one year of steady environmental action championed by the Chairperson of the initiative, Mrs Tosin Whingan, wife of the Member of the House of Representatives for Badagry Federal Constituency.
Over the past twelve months, Clean-Up Badagry has grown into a visible grassroots movement, driving community clean up exercises, tree planting campaigns, environmental education and youth advocacy across Badagry. The anniversary served both as a celebration of progress made and a renewed call for sustained community involvement.
Young female students from secondary schools across Badagry formed the heart of the programme, reinforcing the initiative’s vision of empowering girls as leaders in environmental protection. They were joined by representatives of youth groups, women organisations, civil society bodies, the African Lads and Lasses Brigade, ADYAN, the Directorate of Gender of the NYCN Badagry and other community based organisations.
The presence of the Acting Education Secretary of the Badagry Local Government Education Authority, Mr Jacob E O, alongside members of the LGEA management team, further highlighted institutional support for the initiative. Community leaders and stakeholders who attended described the turnout as a reflection of growing trust and ownership of the project.
In her address, Mrs Tosin Whingan reiterated that Clean-Up Badagry was founded on the belief that environmental stewardship must start from the grassroots and be sustained through education, consistency and collective action. She stressed that empowering girls is key to nurturing responsible communities and safeguarding the environment for future generations.
The event also drew the support of the Member of the House of Representatives for Badagry Federal Constituency, Hon Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, who commended the initiative for translating advocacy into measurable action. He noted that community driven efforts such as Clean-Up Badagry align with national environmental and climate goals, particularly Nigeria’s decarbonisation agenda.
Addressing the young participants, Hon Whingan encouraged them to embrace their roles as agents of change and ambassadors of environmental sustainability within their schools and communities.
As Clean-Up Badagry steps into its second year, the initiative reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its impact, strengthening partnerships and deepening inclusive participation, with special focus on youth and women. It also called on residents, institutions and partners to continue supporting efforts aimed at building a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Badagry.
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