On October 16, 2021, the POP Nigeria team led by POP Youth Mentor and Ambassador for Africa, Samuel C. Okorie and Esther Oluwatoyin organized a beach cleanup at Elegushi Beach in Lagos state, southwest Nigeria. The activity was organized in partnership with Eco Diversified International, Prezens for Charity, Moisi Naturals, ActionGX, SCM of Nigeria, and What More can I Give with an aim to tackle plastic pollution at the beach through innovative responses.

The POP Nigeria team developed the concept of HUBIT where the catchphrase “Hold it until you bin it” seeks as a reinforcement and regulation approach to tackle plastic pollution. A giant metal waste basket was constructed and donated to the Elegushi Beach following the cleanup to encourage beach goers to be more sustainable in their interaction with the beach and to promote the collection of plastic bottles by recyclers. The activity witnessed over 20 volunteers as direct participants, and the beach management, clean-up team, and other beach users as indirect participants. Given the massive turnout during the activity, the team carried out interviews with beach goers and the beach management team, and sensitized the group on plastic disposal practices.

Equipment from the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) was utilized for the clean-up activity. The beach management was encouraged to undertake daily upkeep and clean-up of the beach through the equipment from LAWMA. An eco-plastic warrior was also appointed at the beach to create a conscious drive against marine plastic pollution and enlighten the beach goers on the use and disposal of plastic at the beach.

Gallery