The Environmental and Green Initiative for Sustainability (EGIS) has intensified its advocacy for cleaner waterways with a community town hall held under its flagship campaign, Project-River Care. The engagement brought together residents of the Abule‑Otun Lafenwa axis, market leaders, and environmental stakeholders in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to address the escalating threat of indiscriminate refuse dumping and open defecation along local rivers, most especially, the Ogun River.
The session underscored the growing urgency to protect water bodies that serve as essential lifelines for households, agriculture, and local ecosystems. According to EGIS, the town hall marks a critical step toward mobilising grassroots action ahead of the official launch of Project-River Care in April 2026, supported by the Ogun State Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA).
Community Action at the Heart of River Protection
Speaking at the event, EGIS Executive Director, Mr. Oluwadamilare Oladotun, stressed that safeguarding rivers is central to public health and long-term environmental stability.
“Our rivers are lifelines – providing water for daily living, supporting agriculture, sustaining ecosystems, and preserving public health. When polluted or neglected, these same rivers become source of disease, environmental degradation, and economic loss. Protecting them is not optional; it is essential for a sustainable and healthy future,” he said.
Mr. Oladotun highlighted that Project-River Care is designed to empower communities with the knowledge and responsibility needed to take ownership of their environment. Through sensitisation, capacity‑building, and community-driven monitoring, residents are encouraged to adopt proper waste disposal practices, protect riverbanks, and report harmful activities.
Reinforcing EGIS’s Broader Mission
The initiative aligns with EGIS’s broader mandate to promote environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and sustainable development across Nigeria. The organisation, known for its community-centred approach and youth-focused environmental programs, continues to expand its footprint in environmental education and advocacy.
According to information from the EGIS website (egisinitiative.org), the organisation works to “build environmentally conscious communities through education, innovation, and collaborative action,” a mission reflected strongly in the Project-River Care campaign.
A Successful Town Hall and a Call to Action
Participants at the town hall expressed commitment to supporting the initiative, noting that community involvement is essential to reversing the degradation of local waterways. EGIS described the engagement as a success and emphasized that sustained collaboration with residents, government agencies, and market leaders will be crucial as the project moves toward its 2026 launch.
The organisation is urging the public to move beyond dialogue and embrace collective responsibility.
“Now is the time to act. Let us move beyond conversations and take collective responsibility for the protection of our rivers. Join EGIS in building cleaner waterways, safer communities, and a future where our environment thrives,” the statement read.
As preparations for Project-River Care continue, EGIS reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all.