The big beach clean-up drive in 2016
REPORT ON OCEAN CLEANING – April 16, 2016
By Jahnezim Bethel, Mundus maris Club, FCFMT
“The beauty of youths is their power.” The truthfulness of that ancient proverb was dramatically demonstrated by the 30 young men and women who enthusiastically participated in the ocean cleaning exercise organized by Mundus Maris Club FCFMT Chapter, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
What was accomplished through this beach cleaning exercise is really remarkable in view of the limited preparation time and choking school activities. The willingness of many students to avail their time and energy towards the exercise is a confirmation of their passion and commitment for the Ocean and their determination to take care of it.
It all started on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 when the members of the College held a general meeting in which a suggestion was raised about looking at the possibility of having an Ocean cleaning exercise on Saturday April 16, 2016, that is before the commencement of the Institution’s examinations. With the consent of the Vice President/Executive Secretary of Mundus maris asbl, Prof. Stella Williams, prompt preparations were set in motion.
We had the goal of organizing a simple clean-up exercise to be continued routinely every month. So a Committee was set up for the Ocean cleaning program. The Committee is comprised of: Mr. Raji Lukman, Mr. Udofia Emmanuel, Mr. Emy Lucky, Mr. Owenaro Praise and Miss. Ademuwagun Deborah. Along with other members of the executive committees and members of Staff e.g. Mr. Musa B., Dr. (Mrs.) Adeogun M. and Mrs. Abiodun-Solanke A., our Institution’s staff members are dedicated men and women who worked hard to procure the necessary materials and equipment that were used for the Ocean cleaning project on Saturday, 16 April.
The cooperation of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) was crucial to the success of this exercise.
Therefore representatives were sent to the Executive Director, Dr. G.A. Akande, who warmly accepted and approved the initiative and gave us further links to both Dr. (Mrs.) Yarere and Dr. Oresegun. They represented NIOMR Director and played important roles towards the accomplishment of the Ocean cleaning. We also prized the words of encouragement received from them.
Dr. Oresegun expressed his appreciation on how participants kept to time. The exercise was planned to start by 9.00am and to conclude by 12.00noon and it was just so!
80 bags of plastic bottles, empty cans and various other debris were collected from the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) jetty. These items were sorted bagged and arrangements were made for their recycling.
Special thanks to our ever-supportive member, the CEO of Fishful Thinking Consult Mr. Awomoyi Tosin. The President of MM’s Club and all members of the Executives appreciated the efforts of all the students who participated: “you have our best of wishes in your upcoming exams.”
All photos are by the author.
Comment by Mundus maris:
We are very proud of the achievements of the Mundus maris Club FCFMT thanks to creativity, discipline and commitment to the ocean of its executive committee and all members. An example to follow!