Written by Taufiq Sadiq Tanimu
As the world commemorate World Environment Day 2025, UNICEF has called for urgent and collective action to end plastic pollution, warning that it poses serious health and environmental threats especially to children.
Speaking at the event in Kano, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, said over 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually, much of which ends up in rivers, oceans, drainage channels, and other waterways.
He noted that this contributes to flooding and other environmental hazards.
Mr. Farah stated that the 2025 theme, “Putting an End to Plastic Pollution,” serves as a reminder to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic waste.
He also revealed that the organization’s Green Rising initiative targets the planting of 100,000 trees, recycling of 100,000 kilograms of plastic, and mobilization of 100,000 young people for climate action.
UNICEF, Kano Ministry of Environment Launch Campaign Against Plastic Pollution on World Environment Day
To mark the day, UNICEF led students from Government Secondary School, Kundila, and volunteers in tree planting and plastic clean-up exercises, stretching from the Ministry of Environment to Zaria Road in Kano State.
On his part, the Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim represented by his Special Adviser on Environmental Sanitation, Engr. Abdullahi Shehu Bichi reaffirmed the state’s commitment to environmental protection.
He described World Environment Day as a major global event celebrated in over 100 countries to raise awareness of urgent environmental issues.
The Commissioner emphasized that plastics pollute land and water, and even enter the human body in the form of microplastics.
He urged residents to adopt sustainable habits and support government efforts to create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
This year’s celebration underscores the importance of both individual and collective responsibility in addressing one of the most pressing global challenges of our time
