UNIMAID CENTRE FOR DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES AND PARTNERS COMMEMORATE 2025 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

The University of Maiduguri Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies (CDRM&DS) in collaboration with the Centre for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), Borno Agency for the Great Green Wall and other Development partners joined the global community in commemorating the 2025 World Environment Day. The event which recently held at the Muhammadu Indimi International Conference Centre, University of Maiduguri, focused on an urgent call to End Plastic Pollution Globally.

The theme served as a timely reminder of the need for concerted action to combat the global plastic crisis. It emphasized the importance of effective policy implementation, active citizen participation, and sustained collaboration among government bodies, Civil Society Organizations, and grassroots communities.The initiative was supported by ActionAid Nigeria through the Strategic Partnership Agreement II (SPA II) as part of ongoing efforts to promote climate justice and strengthen community resilience across Borno State.

In his goodwill message, the Director of the Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies, Prof. Mohammed Abba Jime expressed concerns over the growing threat of unmanaged plastic waste, especially during the rainy season. He lamented that drainage systems, originally built to channel water safely through urban areas, are now clogged with sachet bags, plastic bottles, and other wastes. This, he noted, results in devastating flash floods that damage homes, displace residents, destroy livelihoods, and contribute to the spread of disease.

Prof. Jimme urged all stakeholders to commit to rebuilding a cleaner, safer, and flood resilient Borno. He further called for greater investment in waste management systems and Urban Planning, and emphasized the need to empower young people not just as participants but as leaders in driving sustainable change. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to global environmental efforts, stressing that environmental sustainability is not optional but essential. he reiterated that a healthy environment is the foundation of disaster resilience, whether natural or human-induced.

Prof Jimme concluded his speech by encouraging all participants to see World Environment Day not merely as a celebration but as a renewed call to action. He called for bold, innovative, and inclusive solutions that can restore the environment, protect cities, and ensure a future where rains bring life. The high point of the occasion was the tree planting exercise at Kofa, Ngomari Airport road work, and tree seedling distribution also as part of the Commemoration.