Nigerian youths have joined their counterparts around the world to mark th e 2025 International Youth Day with clean-up exercises that combined fitness with environmental action.
Organised by Plogging Nigeria, a youth-driven environmental group, the two-week initiative drew 165 participants across 13 clean-up events between August 9 and 16, 2025.
The events took place at universities including Usman Danfodiyo University, University of Uyo (UNIUYO), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and Enugu, Kaduna State University, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos and in Port Harcourt.
In total, participants covered 18.07 kilometres over 24 hours of plogging – an activity that involves jogging while picking up litter. They collected 25 bags of plastic waste weighing 35.6kg and 119 bags of mixed waste weighing 560.66kg.
Mayokun Iyaomolere, Executive Director of Plogging Nigeria, praised the collective effort. He said, “Every step, every piece of litter collected is a powerful stride towards a cleaner Nigeria. By combining fitness with environmental action, we’re actively contributing to achieving the SDGs locally.”
At UNIUYO, Abdulfatai Olalekan, Head Plogga for the campus, said the event was a reminder of the role young people play in advancing environmental sustainability.
In Kaduna State University, Head Plogga, Habiba Suleiman, linked the day to a larger vision of leadership: “The future belongs to the youth who not only dream of change but also bend down to pick up the trash that stands in its way.”
Chinelo Ani of UNN described the collaboration across campuses as a highlight. He said, “Despite the bad weather, we cleared our campuses of waste and plastics, shared memories and made an impact together. We attain the SDGs by working together as a community.”
The initiative aligned with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, from promoting health and well-being (SDG 3) to advancing climate action (SDG 13) and fostering partnerships (SDG 17).
Organisers said the success of this year’s events underscores the growing influence of local youth action in driving global change, “one plog at a time.”
International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12. This year’s theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, emphasises the role of young people in turning global goals into community-led action.
By Abiodun Salako