Parts of the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road around the Ahiaeke axis have been left sparkling clean following a humanitarian sanitation exercise led by Project Keep Abia Klean. The initiative brought together volunteers and partners committed to promoting environmental cleanliness and public health across the state.
Director of Project Keep Abia Klean, Master Victory Emeje Ogheneruemn, explained that his passion for a clean environment inspired the intervention, emphasizing that environmental sanitation is not solely the responsibility of government.
According to him, the cleanup exercise powered by Veeklean Cleaning Services Limited was also aimed at creating public awareness among Abians on their collective role in maintaining a clean state.
He noted that while government agencies continue to manage waste and sanitation efforts, citizens must also play an active role. “When there is a working government and responsible citizens, there will be a working state,” he said, stressing that the project’s mission is to encourage residents to take ownership of their environment.
Victory, who described himself as a professional cleaner, said his experiences across Abia State revealed that poor waste disposal habits often undermine government efforts. He urged residents to adopt proper waste management practices, including separating recyclable materials from perishable waste and disposing of refuse responsibly to ease the work of sanitation agencies such as ASEPA.
He further encouraged motorists and residents to avoid littering, advising people to keep trash in their vehicles until it can be properly disposed of at designated dumpsites.
According to him, simple habits such as using waste bags and separating refuse can significantly improve sanitation outcomes and reduce foul odors in communities.
One of the volunteers, Oguayo Chijioke Emanuel, expressed satisfaction in participating in the cleanup exercise, noting that his passion for cleanliness and background in microbiology motivated his involvement. He highlighted the health benefits of a clean environment, explaining that proper sanitation helps prevent microbial contamination and reduces the spread of communicable diseases.
Emanuel urged young people to prioritize environmental safety and proper waste disposal, warning against dumping refuse in gutters. He explained that accumulated waste in drainage systems can lead to foul smells and increase the risk of disease outbreaks within communities.
Also speaking, a partner from PZ Cleaning Services Limited, Udonsi Eke Ezinne, said she was pleased to support the initiative, describing it as a collective effort to promote cleanliness and good health. She emphasized that maintaining a clean environment benefits everyone and helps complement government efforts in sanitation management.
Ezinne also encouraged women and community members to take active roles in environmental cleanliness, urging them to maintain hygienic surroundings at home, in markets, and on the streets. She noted that a clean environment ensures fresh air, improved health, and a better quality of life for residents across Abia State.
