The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federated Chapel, has embarked on a drainage clearing exercise of Oke-Ilewo axis of the secretariat aimed at addressing flooding and erosion caused by blocked drainage.
The exercise held today brought together members of the chapel, as part of their commitment to environmental sanitation, community service, and the promotion of a cleaner and healthier society.
Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman of the Ogun NUJ Federated Chapel, Comrade Juwon Opayemi, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Jaji Olamilekan, said journalists had a responsibility to contribute to the development of the society beyond their professional duties.
“We are not just media practitioners, we are part of the society and the development of the society is our responsibility,” he said.
According to him, the blocked drainage was a major factor responsible for the flooding being experienced along the road, expressing optimism that the situation would improve following the clearing exercise.
“The blockage of the drainage is the key reason for the flooded road which I believe will be corrected after this exercise,” he said.
Opayemi also called on individuals and private organisations operating within the axis to support efforts to improve the condition of the road and make it more accessible to motorists.
“I called on individuals and private groups on this axis to also help to make the road accessible for motorists,” he said.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Ogun NUJ Federated Chapel, Babalola Gafar, described the initiative as the chapel’s modest contribution towards addressing the environmental challenges confronting the area.
“This initiative is therefore our modest contribution towards addressing this challenge. It is also a demonstration of the commitment of the Ogun NUJ Federated Chapel to environmental sanitation, community service, and the promotion of a cleaner and healthier society,” Gafar said.
He noted that, as media practitioners, members of the chapel understood the importance of advocacy and public awareness in promoting responsible environmental practices.
“As members of the media, we understand the power of advocacy and public awareness. We will continue to use our various platforms to sensitise members of the public on the importance of proper waste disposal and the need for everyone to take responsibility for keeping our environment clean,” he said.
Gafar appreciated the leadership and members of the Ogun NUJ Federated Chapel for supporting the initiative, commending those who participated in the exercise despite their busy schedules.
“I wish to appreciate the leadership and entire membership of the Ogun NUJ Federated Chapel for supporting this initiative. I also commend every member who has taken time out of their busy schedules to participate in this exercise. Your presence and commitment demonstrate that when we come together with a common purpose, we can make a meaningful difference in our society,” he said.
He further appealed to relevant stakeholders, government agencies, residents, and users of the environment to sustain the impact of the exercise by ensuring that the drainage channels remain free of refuse.
“I equally appeal to all stakeholders, government agencies, residents, and users of this environment to sustain the work we have done today. Cleaning the drainage is only one part of the solution, ensuring that refuse is not dumped into the drainage channels is equally important,” Gafar said.
The chapel urged residents and other stakeholders to adopt responsible waste disposal practices, stressing that collective action was necessary to prevent a recurrence of flooding and erosion in the area.
