Rain fails to deter 1,000 youths from Calabar clean-up

About 1,000 young people participated in an environmental clean-up exercise in Calabar, Cross River State, despite rainfall, according to organisers. The 2026 YOMA World Clean Up exercise was held at Marian Market, Beach Market in Calabar South and White House Street. The activity was organised with the support of UNICEF and implemented in collaboration with the University of Cross River State and youth-led organisations.

Volunteers cleared refuse and plastic waste from the three locations. The Acting Dean of Student Affairs at the university, Dr Victor Ndifon, said the institution was participating directly through its Student Affairs Division for the first time. He described the exercise as an opportunity for young people to contribute to the state’s development.

Ndifon said students from the university’s three senatorial districts were willing to volunteer for similar environmental initiatives. He added that the university would engage UNICEF on the possibility of extending related activities to other parts of Cross River State. Freedom Bassey, the state coordinator of the Young African Leaders Initiative, said about 1,000 youths took part.

He said participants had been mobilised through partnerships with youth-led organisations across the state. Bassey said the exercise reflected a decision by young people to act independently rather than only complain about environmental conditions. Volunteer Blessing Alims of Bagori Care Foundation said the activity showed that youths could serve as agents of positive change.

Alims said participants were not paid, although they received transport reimbursements. UNICROSS volunteer Eborty Christianah said young people had a responsibility to protect their surroundings. Organisers said they hoped similar youth-led clean-ups would be replicated elsewhere in the state.