First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians to minimise food waste and adopt more responsible methods of consumption and waste disposal to help create cleaner and healthier communities.
Mrs Tinubu made the appeal in a message marking World Cleanup Day 2026 on Sunday, stressing that the effects of climate change, conflicts and other global challenges on food production and distribution make it necessary for individuals and organisations to take steps to reduce waste.
World Cleanup Day was observed on September 20 this year under the theme, “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities”.
The First Lady said efforts to maintain a clean environment should start with reducing the amount of waste produced by homes, businesses and communities.
“Today, on World Cleanup Day 2026, with the theme ‘From Clean Plates to Clean Cities,’ reminds us that keeping our environment clean begins with reducing the waste we generate”, she said.
She noted that the focus on food waste was especially relevant amid the challenges affecting food production and supply globally.
“This year’s focus on food waste is particularly important at a time when climate change, conflicts, and other global challenges continue to disrupt food production and supply. We must, therefore, become more responsible in how we purchase, prepare, consume, and preserve food”, she said.
Mrs Tinubu urged Nigerians to consider not only how much food they buy, consume and throw away, but also how they dispose of other forms of waste and adopt environmentally friendly habits.
“I encourage households, businesses, and communities to reduce food waste, dispose of refuse properly, and adopt more sustainable practices that protect our environment”, the First Lady said.
She further emphasised that maintaining cleaner communities requires the participation and continued commitment of individuals, households and communities.
“Through our collective efforts, we can build cleaner, healthier communities for present and future generations”, she added.
