By Emmanuel Otoikhila
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) joined other stakeholders on June 5, 2025, to mark World Environment Day, hosted by the Edo State branch of the Federal Ministry of Environment. The event, themed “Ending Plastic Pollution,” was held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry’s field office on Upper Ekewan Road, Benin City.
The celebration drew participants from government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as academia, industry, civil society groups, and non-governmental organizations. The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was represented by Mr. Jude Ekpu, Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability and the special guest speaker, Dr. O. Osarenotor, a specialist in Environmental Sanitation and Waste Management. RMRDC Edo State Coordinating Office was led by Acting State Coordinator Mr. Emmanuel Otoikhila.
In her welcome address, the Edo State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Victoria T. Ikhanosime conveyed greetings from the Honourable Minister, Balarabe Abba Lawal. She underscored the significance of the theme, noting that since its inception in 1974, World Environment Day has served as a global platform to raise awareness and push for solutions to pressing environmental issues. She emphasized the need for transformative policy changes that promote sustainable living in harmony with nature.
The special guest speaker, Dr. Osarenotor, in his keynote address, provided a historical overview of the recurring focus on plastic pollution in past World Environment Day themes – including “Beating Plastic Pollution” in 2018 and “Solutions to Plastic Pollution” in 2022. He noted that over 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with serious implications for ecosystems, wildlife, human health, and the economy.
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Highlighting the dangers of plastic pollution, Dr. Osarenotor listed key impacts such as marine pollution, soil and water contamination, toxic air emissions, and health risks. He also outlined global strategies being employed to tackle plastic waste, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, incentive-based collection, international agreements, reverse vending machines, and the adoption of the “4Rs” – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recovery. Countries like Germany, Kenya, Norway, and Indonesia were cited as examples of effective plastic waste management.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Acting Edo State Coordinator of RMRDC, Mr. Emmanuel Otoikhila, extended greetings from Director-General Prof. Nnanyelugo Martins Ike-Muonso He raised critical questions about the possibility of eradicating plastic pollution in Nigeria, stressing the need for a change in public attitude towards environment care.
Mr. Otoikhila proposed several strategies to address Nigeria’s plastic pollution crisis. These include enhanced public education, community engagement, the establishment of dedicated environmental sanitation agencies at all government levels, and improved waste disposal infrastructure. He also called for policy reform to support recycling industries and ensure corporate responsibility, urging companies to prioritize people and environmental health over profits.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Ikhanosime encouraged participants to adopt environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives. She expressed hope that this year’s celebration would serve as a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to combat plastic pollution and protect the planet.
The Republic of Korea served as the global host of the 2025 World Environment Day celebrations.
