By Salami Abdulrahaman
The Founder of GIS Achievers Foundation, Ejike Kizito Odo, has called on Nigerians to take greater responsibility for protecting the environment, saying a sustainable future requires collective action beyond government efforts.
Speaking during an interview at the GIS Achievers Eco Connect held at the National Children’s Park and Zoo, Abuja, Odo said the foundation has evolved from using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify environmental challenges to implementing practical, community-based solutions that promote sustainability and climate action.
According to him, the organization now complements environmental mapping with clean-up campaigns, climate education, and community engagement aimed at encouraging residents to take ownership of their environment.
“We realized that it is not enough to identify environmental problems. We must also contribute to solving them by working directly with communities,” he said.
Odo highlighted the foundation’s environmental outreach at Jabi Park on February 28, 2026, where GIS Achievers Foundation partnered with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to clear nearly 500 metres of blocked drainage channels. He noted that the exercise not only improved sanitation but also inspired community members to commit to maintaining a cleaner environment.
He also recalled the foundation’s flood awareness and sanitation campaign in Lokogoma, where residents were educated on the dangers of indiscriminate waste disposal and blocked waterways.
During the engagement, residents shared the devastating impact of flooding in the area. One resident, Mr. Obi, recounted how a family lost a child during a flood incident. The foundation’s assessment also identified a 40-foot container being used as a bridge within Jubilation Estate, obstructing the natural flow of water and increasing the community’s vulnerability to flooding during heavy rainfall.
Beyond clean-up activities, Odo said the foundation is empowering young people and communities through waste-to-craft initiatives, teaching participants how plastic waste can be transformed into useful products while promoting recycling and environmental conservation. The organization also provides training on reducing carbon pollution and building climate-resilient communities.
He explained that the GIS Achievers Eco Connect initiative was designed to bring together environmental advocates, volunteers, development partners, and community members to strengthen collaboration and inspire greater participation in environmental protection efforts.
Calling on Nigerians to embrace environmental responsibility, Odo emphasized that sustainable development begins with individual action.
“Creating a sustainable environment is not the responsibility of government alone. Every individual has a role to play. The government may not know that the drainage in front of your house is blocked, but you do. We must all take responsibility by keeping our surroundings clean, disposing of waste properly, and contributing to environmental sustainability,” he said.
He urged citizens to adopt environmentally friendly practices and work together to build cleaner, healthier, and more climate-resilient communities across Nigeria.
