BRAIN Builders International (BBI), a non-governmental organisation, and the 'We Are M.A.D' (Making a Difference) Initiative, a voluntary youth organisation, at the weekend held a cleaning exercise at an illegal dumpsite in Kulende area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The exercise brought together youth volunteers, mostly students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), and youths from the Kulende community.

Speaking during the exercise, the principal initiator of BBI, Olasupo Abideen, a student of UNILORIN, said they carried out the exercise to show by example the essence of cleaning the environment and to let the community know that it is everyone's duty to participate in keeping the environment clean.

"Health education begins at home and it is the responsibility of every resident to dump solid waste at designated sites. Most illegal dumpsites are created by waste generated from nearby houses in the community, and people need to desist from such act," he said. He added that they also undertook the exercise to help inhabitants of area find solution to the problem of dumpsites in the community.

Tony Joy, a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and coordinator of 'We Are M.A.D,' said the project has been carried out in Ondo State and now in Kwara, and will be extended to other states across the country, as the vision is to see a dirt-free Nigeria by 2020.

Joy also encouraged residents of the area to take charge and desist from unhealthy practice that can engender epidemic breakout. Both organisers thanked the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) and the State Ministry of Environment and Forestry for their support.

While appreciating the organisers of the project, the youth coordinator, Kulende Community Development Association (KCDA), Mr Yahaya Quadri, said they have done very well in cleaning the site, while also urging the residents of the community to desist from dumping refuse on the land.

He also urged the government to provide the community with a bin that can serve them all, as houses there cannot afford to pay private contractors.

Habeebulah Morakinyo

(300-Level, Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin)