By Nneoma Ahukanna and Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu
On Monday the 15th of January 2024, history was
once again made in Imo state when Distinguished Senator
Hope Uzodimma was sworn in as Executive Governor of the state for
the second term in office after having won overwhelmingly in the 27
local government areas at the November 11 2023 gubernatorial
polls.
The reason for this according to the generality of
the Imo populace is because of his superlative performance throughout his first
term in office piloting the affairs of the State.
Generally, most people assess leadership based
on achievements in areas like roads, jobs, and pay. However, a great
leader’s primary responsibility should be safeguarding the health of the
people. Unfortunately, the significance of maintaining clean surroundings often
goes unnoticed.
The most effective leaders prioritise the well-being of
their people, and Governor Hope Uzodimma exemplifies this commitment. In his
first 4years he fulfilled his promise to the people of Imo State by
providing numerous trucks for trash disposal and over 10,000 bins to enhance
environmental cleanliness during his first tenure. This initiative not only
promotes cleanliness but also attracts new opportunities for the state.
When talking about climate change, it’s
important to note that individuals, play a big part in making it better
or worse. Surprisingly, 80 percent of climate change results from human
actions. One significant contributor is improper trash disposal, where litter
left in public places—such as streets, markets, beaches, or roads—contributes
to climate problems.
Promoting responsible trash disposal and environmental
care not only improves community health but also plays a part in mitigating the
adverse effects of climate change.
Now, the pressing question is: How does waste contribute
to climate change? Recent research suggests that trash may be playing a more
substantial role in climate change than previously believed. When we encounter
large heaps of waste dumped by the roadside, in forests, or at non-designated
sites during drives or walks, the initial impact is environmental pollution.
These neglected wastes break down over time, releasing toxic gases and
chemicals into the air, soil, and waterways. Notably, one of these gases is
methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
In Nworieubi, a major semi urban town in Mbaitoli
local government area for example, studies indicate that in Mbaitoli, each
household generates about 1 ton of domestic waste annually, suggesting Imo
State may dispose of around 500 tons of waste per year. Waste in landfills
emits methane gas, further contributing to climate change. Thus, by
prioritising proper waste removal, the governor is actively contributing to the
fight against climate change.
Research reveals that landfills are the third-leading
cause of methane emissions in the state, suggesting that more trash leads to
more emissions. Fortunately, Imo State has undergone positive changes under
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s leadership. The regular environmental cleanup every
last Saturday has made a significant difference, not only making the state
cleaner but also enhancing its beauty.
Every last Saturday of the month, people in Imo State
join hands to keep their houses and environment clean. This effort instills a
sense of responsibility for the environment among residents, whether they live
in town or rural areas.
The positive change is evident in the streets and public
spaces of Imo State. Instances of litter on the roads have significantly
reduced, some markets are well-maintained, and pathways are kept tidy. This
reflects the unwavering commitment of the people of Imo State. Areas that were
once disordered and neglected are now organised and clean, contributing to a
pleasant and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Beyond the physical improvements, the cleanup is
contributing to residents’ health. Cleaner surroundings mean fewer diseases,
and people are leading healthier lives. Taking pride in keeping things clean
has fostered a sense of community, encouraging everyone to share the responsibility
for the state’s well-being.
More than just a cleanup, the Saturday event showcases
unity and teamwork. People from all walks of life participate, breaking down
social barriers. The friendships formed during these cleanups strengthen the
community, with everyone realising the importance of working together for a
better future.
Under Governor Hope Uzodimma’s leadership, Imo State is
heading towards a future where caring for the environment and appreciating its
beauty go hand in hand. The monthly environmental cleanup on the last Saturday
demonstrates the power of a united community working towards a common goal,
turning Imo State into a shining example of what collective effort can achieve.
Comrade Nwaiwu Chinoso, Chairman of the United Imo Youth
Movement and concurrently serving as the Chairman of Nwaorieubi City Market,
expressed his views on the governor’s initiatives in sanitation during an
interview. According to him, ‘In terms of what the governor has done on
sanitation, he has done tremendously well. You will agree with me that from
Akwakuma junction to Umueze Junction, there used to be heaps of refuse, but
today you barely see those refuse on the road because Imo State Sanitation is
at work, and they are in charge of that.’
Zooming in on the impact within the market, Chinoso, who
also acknowledged seeking inspiration from the governor, stated, ‘As the chairman
of this Nwaorieubi market, I have borrowed from the governor, and I’ve been
able to do that through the immediate past Sole Administrator (SoLad) of
Mbaitoli, Honourable Hamilton Chinasa Opara. The market is now a happy place,
and everywhere is in order. Market dwellers are conducting their business in a
serene environment without dirt.’ He emphasised the positive changes achieved
within the timeframe of his tenure as the market chairman.
Chinoso’s remarks shed light on the tangible improvements
in sanitation, attributing the positive transformation to the proactive
measures implemented by the Imo State Sanitation team. The endorsement from the
chairman also highlights the collaborative efforts and support from local
representatives, contributing to a cleaner and more conducive environment for
businesses within Nwaorieubi City Market.
Basil Ohanaka, one of the leaders in Umudurumba, Uba
Ifakala, said, ‘From Owerri to Mbaitoli, we never had cleanliness before. There
were garbage dumps everywhere, but since Hope Uzodimma became the governor,
everything has improved. However, the problem is, inside the villages, there
are still dumps. It would be good if sanitation could be extended to these
areas.’
He also mentioned, ‘Yes, we do our best to clean here at
least every last Saturday of the month. But I urge the governor to help leaders
in rural communities by giving them graders and trucks to remove the dirt. We
hope this term will be free from hunger. Honestly, the governor did very well
in his last term, and we hope he does even more this time.’
Mrs. Iwu Leticia Adaku, Director of Environmental
Services in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, expressed her observations on the
improvements in waste management initiated by Governor Hope Uzodimma. She
stated, ‘First, I will start with refuse disposal. If I may say, the governor
is making commendable efforts. Unlike before, there were particular spots in
the Mbaitoli axis known as permanent refuse dumps. Regardless of the season,
you would always find refuse there. However, since the governor assumed office,
those spots that were notorious for permanent refuse dumps are no longer
present. We no longer see refuse along Ogbaku-Onitsha road and Mbaitoli-Orlu
Road; there are no refuse dumps there. Even if there are refuse dumps, they no
longer last more than two days. We no longer have bad odors. Before, some of
those refuse dumps occupied the roads. I commend the governor because he is
doing well in refuse disposal, and people no longer dispose of their refuse indiscriminately.
Everything has stopped.’
Mrs. Iwu Leticia continued, addressing the situation at
Egbeada road, stating, ‘At Egbeada road, though there are some refuse, it is
not much. However, close to one primary school, Community Primary School
Egbeada, there is a particular refuse around that spot. I wish the governor
would concentrate on that area. On the major roads, Mbaitoli-Orlu road and
Ugbaku-Onitsha road, refuse is no longer present.’
Concerning the markets in Mbaitoli, she emphasised the
need for attention, saying, ‘For this tenure, I wish that the governor would
look into the markets. We have major markets in Mbaitoli, and those markets, no
one cares to remove the refuse. Markets like Nkwo Ubommiri, Nkwo Orodo Market,
Orie Ama Umunuoha Market, Orie Ugbaku Market, Afor Obazu Market, and Orie
Mbieri Market have refuse in them. The governor needs to build toilets in all
the markets. Though UNICEF has built three functional toilet units in Nkwo
Orodo Market, there are no toilets in other markets. We are calling on the
government to come to the aid of those markets for the people so that they will
stop indiscriminate defecation.’
Switching to the topic of water schemes in Mbaitoli, Mrs.
Iwu Leticia expressed gratitude for the ongoing rehabilitation efforts,
stating, ‘In terms of water schemes in Mbaitoli, we thank the governor. Since
last year, he has started rehabilitating the water schemes in Mbaitoli to make
wash facilities more active in communities with water schemes. The people are
happy because the governor has rehabilitated those water schemes. The
rehabilitation of water schemes in Mbaitoli is a project the governor has
started working on. He even sent some Sure Wash personnel from the government
house to take care of those water schemes which were not functioning. According
to them, it is the next project the governor has in mind to address the water
schemes in Mbaitoli.’
Mrs. Iwu Leticia further praised the water supply in
Owerri, saying, ‘In terms of water supply in Owerri, I enjoy the water board
since the governor came in. At that time, when NEPA people went on strike, and
there was no water, we never lacked water in our area because the government
supplied us water through the water board. The best part is that the water is
treated properly. I am a witness and partaker of the water. I give 100 percent
kudos to our governor, His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma, for his efforts in
ensuring proper water supply. I am living around Onitsha Road. Also,
people resident in many areas within World Bank,and Akwakuma, enjoy
the public water supply. All the people using the water board are saying thank
you.’
Concluding her statement, Mrs. Iwu Leticia highlighted
the often overlooked aspects of development, stating, ‘As one of the
stakeholders in water supply and environmental health, I am very happy with
what the governor has done regarding water supply in Owerri Municipality.
People think that development is only roads and employment, but they don’t know
that there are some developments that are silent, just like the water supply
and keeping Imo State clean. I will conclude by saying that we, the
environmental health officers, go for inspections to ensure that all households
in Mbaitoli have toilets to avoid open defecation around the environment. And
for toilets in the market, I sincerely ask the governor to provide toilets so
as to avoid indiscriminate defecation.
In the effort to make Imo State cleaner and healthier,
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s plans have made a big difference. The government and
the commitment of the people working together have turned the state into a
great example of what we can achieve when we all pitch in.
As we celebrate the good things happening with trash
cleanup, keeping the environment clean, and making sure there’s enough water,
it’s important to remember that the journey to making our state better is not
finished. Instead of just being happy about the positive changes we've seen,
let’s use this as a starting point to keep making things better.
Call to Action: We’re asking everyone who lives in Imo
State to join in the monthly cleanups and to always dispose of waste
responsibly every day. Your small efforts add up and help us create a cleaner
and stronger community.
Additionally, we’re asking the government to keep
supporting programs that help the environment and think about bringing cleanup
efforts to rural areas. Giving important tools like graders and trucks to
leaders in these areas will make our group efforts even more effective.
