African Clean-Up Initiative (ACI), a leading Non-Governmental Organization that is passionate about raising environmentally responsible citizens in Africa celebrated 15 impactful years of immense contributions into the environment sector across Africa, last Friday.
According to the Founder/CEO, ACI, Alex Akhigbe, while speaking at the 15th Anniversary and Award Ceremony held in Lagos to honour those who have remained consistent in advocating and popularizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa, he said the Organization was birthed as a necessity to fill the gap identified within the environment sector in Nigeria and Africa.
Akhigbe recounted that, for 15 years, ACI as an initiative that began small called “Passion House” in 2010 has since grown and birthed several eco-friendly projects like Clean-up Naija Project, Green Independence Clean-Up (GIC), Lagos Cleanup Challenge (LCC), Recycle Pays Educational Project, Bottles For Pads and Diapers, Green Footprint Project, Beyond Waste Project, Recycling Empowerment & Advocacy Project (REAP) amongst many others.
In his words, “In the last 15 years, all we have achieved, we achieved through God’s help and favour. We acknowledge massive support we have earned through most of the organizations and individuals we have partnered with on several projects. We pray God bless you all.”
Akhigbe further stressed the need for all hands to be on deck towards meeting up with the SDGs 2030 target in Africa.
“This year’s theme, “Pathways to sustainable: Advancing Circular Economy for a Climate Resilient Future” underscores the urgency of reimagining how we produce, consume and live. This is a call on everyone of us – be it policymakers, Businesses, Environmentalists, Youth Leaders and everyday citizens to become architects of solutions that serve both people and the planet.” he said.
The anniversary featured Awards session where more than 30 active citizens and SDGs Advocates were recognized and appreciated for their good works.
Few of the Awardees at the ceremony were Renowned Environmentalist, Desmond Majekodunmi, Media Personality and Eco-Activist, Dotun Roy, Providus Bank, Prof.Okeke Gerald, amongst other prominent personalities across Africa.