On Tuesday March 2022, Project Hope Nigeria launched a remarkable Plogging Outreach in the Ipaja area of Lagos State. Our dedicated volunteers, coming together from various parts of the state, united for a common cause: to contribute to climate action, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13).

To equip our volunteers for this mission, we organized informative webinars on the proper handling and recycling of waste. Armed with this knowledge, our team set out to make a tangible difference, starting with the bustling Owode marketplace.

Upon arrival, we met with the Market Head and began engaging the market vendors about the importance of waste management and recycling. Initially, some of the market women were hesitant and linked our efforts to traditional myths about sweeping. They were also curious about our organization, Project Hope Nigeria.

Our Outreach Coordinator, Mrs. Adebusola Adesanya, played a pivotal role in bridging this gap. Speaking in the Yoruba dialect, she explained who we are, what we do, and the impact we aim to achieve. Her words resonated with the women, dispelling their concerns and gaining their trust.

Ipaja market is vast, but with teamwork and efficiency, our volunteers managed to clean the entire area, ensuring all waste was handled and disposed of appropriately. The transformation was evident, and the market women, who were initially skeptical, began to express their gratitude. They not only thanked us during the exercise but also offered prayers for our volunteers, creating a heartwarming atmosphere of mutual appreciation.

In turn, we thanked the market women for their cooperation and commitment to maintaining a clean environment. This outreach was a testament to the power of community collaboration in addressing climate change and fostering sustainable practices.

FD Oladejo Foundation fka Project Hope Nigeria remains committed to empowering communities through education and action, making a lasting impact one step at a time.