The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has sensitized students and market leaders on the dangers of plastic pollution as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World Environment Day, themed “Beat Plastic Pollution.”

The awareness campaign was held at Ogunpa Market and Basorun Ogunmola High School, Ring Road, Ibadan, where IBEDC donated waste bins to support efforts in curbing plastic pollution.

Dr. Ademola Adewumi, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, explained that the campaign is part of IBEDC’s corporate social responsibility.

He highlighted the harmful effects of plastic pollution on human health, the environment, animals, and aquatic life.

“We are here to mark World Environment Day by educating students and creating awareness about the environment. Plastic pollution is detrimental to health and the environment, and this is our way of giving back to society,” Adewumi said.

He stressed the importance of educating young people to care for the environment, adding, “Plastic has become a menace in society. It contributes to health issues, aids the spread of diseases like malaria, and harms animals that cannot distinguish plastic from food.”

Engineer Abiodun Dirisu, Head of Safety and Environment at IBEDC, urged everyone to avoid disposing of plastics in rivers, waterways, gutters, and other inappropriate places.

“Pollution, especially plastic pollution, has become a global concern. Waterways are blocked, and the environment is littered. We must take responsibility for managing plastic waste properly,” Dirisu said.

He explained that plastics can be recycled and repurposed, and encouraged the public to sort waste and take plastics to recycling centers.

Mrs. Omobola Adeniran, Principal of Ogunmola High School, expressed gratitude to IBEDC for the donation and pledged to ensure the waste bins are used to maintain a clean school environment.

Market leaders from Ogunpa, including Raheem Kazeem of the Ajekale Youth Progressive Forum, Musbaudeen Adesola (Balogun Oja), and Alhaja Dasola Azeez (Iyalaje Oja Ogunpa), also committed to keeping the market clean.