By Sunday Bassey

The Nigeria Cleanup Initiative (NCI) Akwa Ibom Chapter has charged Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on environmental challenges, highlight practical solutions, amplify community voices, promote successful initiative and encourage citizens to participate in environmental action.

Evang. Anietie Effiong, the Chairman of the initiative gave the charge when they paid courtesy visit to NUJ, Akwa Ibom Council on Friday in Uyo.

He said addressing these challenges requires more than periodic cleanup exercises.

“NCI seeks to contribute to a culture where environmental cleanliness and protection are recognised as shared responsibilities among individuals, families, communities, institutions, businesses, government, civil society organization and other stakeholders,” he said.

He said the programme seeks to mobilise communities, volunteers, organisation, businesses and other stakeholders around environmental cleanup, public education, responsible waste management recycling awareness, climate action and civil engagement.

Effiong said the initiative recognised the media as a powerful instrument for reaching, educating, inspiring and mobilising the public.

Our Correspondent report that NCI was an environmental advocacy and community mobilisation initiative powered by the African Cleanup Initiative (ACI), an environmental non-governmental organisation registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigeria.

The chairman of the initiative said the organisation was driven by the goal of raising environmental responsible citizens and focuses on environmental sanitation, environmental health, environmental education, advocacy and community development.

Effiong noted that Nigeria continues to face environmental challenges associated with improper disposal, plastic pollution, blocked drainage systems, inadequate waste management practices and limited public awareness of sustainable environmental practices.

He said that the 2026 Nigeria Cleanup Day was scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3.

Responding, Comrade Nsibiet John, the Chairman of NUJ, promised that the Union would serve as official media in promoting Nigeria Cleanup Day, community sanitation, responsible waste management, environmental education and public awareness.

John represented by the vice chairman, Comrade Margaret Moore, said the Akwa Ibom State Council would strengthen partnership towards environmental sustainability and community development.