The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), has raised awareness on the danger poses by plastic waste, and the need for its effective management.
The awareness campaign was organised by N-HYPPADEC on Thursday at GYB Model Science School Lokoja to commemorate the World Environment Day (WED) 2025, themed: “Beat Plastic Pollution”.
In his remarks, the Ag. Managing Director/CEO of N-HYPPADEC, Dr Jimoh Haruna Gobi, said the day was a reminder that the health of the environment was directly linked to the health and future of the people.
“This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” is a timely call to action.
“Across the world—and especially in our communities—plastic waste clogs our waterways, pollutes our farmlands, threatens wildlife, and contributes to devastating floods and health hazards. We must act, and we must act now.
“Our Commission, saddled with the crucial responsibility of managing the ecological impact of hydro dams and hydroelectric power activities, is fully committed to building Environmental Resilience in power-producing areas.
“We understand the unique challenges our host communities face—especially the Ecological risks associated with hydro dam operations and overloading, including flooding, soil degradation, and displacement.
“In response, we have launched and implemented several impactful, eco-friendly initiatives to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the environment,” he said
He noted that the initiative include: “construction of Flood Control Structures in Benue, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, and other vulnerable locations, mitigating the impact of recurring floods and ensuring safer communities.
“We have established of Tree Seedlings Nurseries in all the 10 N-HYPPADEC states, each with a production capacity of 1 million seedlings annually.
“These nurseries are critical in restoring our green cover, preventing erosion, and combating the effects of climate change.
“We are also set to flag off our massive Desilting and Evacuation of Blocked Drainages and Culverts—covering 348,223 Linear Meters across the 10 N-HYPPADEC states—to prevent township flooding and improve water flow in key communities.
“Our Resettlement Schemes are providing safer and more sustainable living environments for persons displaced by flooding and hydro dam-related ecological disturbances.
“And, through our Annual Flood Early Warning Campaign, we are raising awareness, preparing communities ahead of the rainy season, and building resilience through timely information dissemination.
“Through our Solar-Powered Borehole Projects, we are not only improving access to clean water but also promoting sustainable energy use and reducing pressure on our environment.
“Our Youth Empowerment Programs are equipping young people with green skills and employment opportunities, ensuring that the next generation leads the charge in environmental stewardship.
“We have established a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Laboratory, which will enhance our capacity for data-driven environmental planning, disaster response, and sustainable land-use management.
“These projects represent more than infrastructure—they are part of a broader vision for a cleaner, safer, and more resilient environment.
“As we reflect on today’s theme, I urge all members of our communities to take concrete action:
“Plant trees. Clean your surroundings. Avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse. Say no to building on flood plains and waterways, and respect our environmental laws—they exist to protect us all.
“Together, let us build a future where development does not come at the cost of our environment. Let us beat plastic pollution, one action at a time,” Gobi said.
In his remarks, Gov. Ahmed Ododo, who represented by Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Monday Anyebe,
Monday Anyebe, the impact of the plastic waste in our society is all over around us ranging from over flooding, drainages are being blocked due to indiscriminate dumping of refuse on waterways
He thanked the N-HYPPADEC for chosing to hold this year’s environmental day in schools as way to inculcating in the mind of the younger generations the effective waste disposal and management to save the environment.
“We must as a people cultivate the habit of limiting the use of plastic waste which cannot be overemphasized.
“The government would continue to do it’s best to ensuring that the environment is kept clean and green,” the governor said.
The guest Speaker, Prof. Salihu Danlami Musa Danlami, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), delivered a compelling paper on the urgent need to eliminate plastic pollution.
With the theme “Eliminating Plastic Pollution,” the professor highlighted the devastating impact of plastic waste on the environment, human health, and the economy.
He said Nigeria generated over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, according to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), saying, “a significant portion of this ends up in the oceans via rivers and drains”.
Salihu stressed that plastic pollution was not just an environmental problem—but a public health emergency and an economic burden.
In his recommendations, Salihu suggested the ban and regulation of harmful plastics, strengthen recycling infrastructure, incentivize innovation, education and empowerment, and fostering public-private partnerships (PPP).
Also speaking, Dr Ekele Ochedi, the Chairman, Nigerian Environmental Society, Kogi chapter, stressed that plastic pollution has become a global challenge as it permeated every part of the planet.
Ochedi called for global collective action to combat plastic pollution, noting that a study revealed that there will be more plastics in the oceans than fishes by 2050.
“There is an urgent need for individuals, Industries, organisations, and governments to adopt sustainable practices that promotes systemic change towards tackling plastic pollution.
“We need to start Investing into sustainable disposal of plastic waste while we hope to progress into the adoption of higher strategies,” Ochedi said..
In his remarks, the Maigari of Lokoja, Alh. Ibrahim Gambo, who was represented by the Etsu Andankolo, Chief David Agbayi, also called for collaborative efforts to tackling indiscriminate waste disposal in Lokoja metropolis.
The monarch promised the support of the traditional institutions in raising awareness campaign on eliminating plastic pollution in the state.
The highlights of the event was the flagg off of 2025 tree planting, drainage desiltation, Annual Flood Early Warning Campaign, and distribution of 1000 tree seedlings to GYB Model Science School and to royal fathers for onward planting.
The N-HYPPADEC MD/CEO led the other dignitaries at the occasion into a symbolice tree planting with the school premises.