A Model Initiative Promoting Community Health, Hygiene and Sustainable Practices in Nigeria

Ifo Market, Ogun State, Nigeria | 9 July 2025

Responding to the Call for Action

In a compelling demonstration of grassroots mobilisation, the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) – Ogun State Chapter has launched a dynamic environmental sensitization campaign at Ifo Market, Ogun Central. This initiative directly responds to the renewed appeal issued by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of Diplomatic Mission of IHRC in Nigeria, who, during the June Alike Community Empowerment event, called upon all volunteers across Nigeria to intensify efforts within the IHRC Community Service Initiative. Ogun State SMM has fully embraced this mandate, reinforcing IHRC’s commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development.

Mobilising Volunteers for Sustainable Impact

On Wednesday, 9 July 2025, under the leadership of Comrade Kazeem Lukman, IHRC-SMM Ogun State Coordinator, an experienced team of volunteers—including Comrade Janet Onu, Comrade Elizabeth Loto, Dr. Imasuen Mike, Jimoh Kamoru, and Alh. Ganiyu Amao—conducted a comprehensive sanitation and environmental awareness programme at Ifo Market. Their objectives were twofold:

• To improve public hygiene through active market sanitation,
• And to educate and empower traders by raising awareness of best environmental practices.

“We are not just cleaning spaces; we are enlightening minds. This sensitization was about building healthier, more informed communities—starting right from the grassroots.” emphasised Comrade Lukman.

Knowledge, Policy, and Community Engagement

The campaign placed a strong focus on the environmental policies of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), particularly regarding waste disposal, public hygiene, and sustainable practices. Market leaders and traders engaged enthusiastically in interactive sessions, actively participating in knowledge-sharing activities and welcoming the distribution of educational materials.

IHRC’s efforts were met with great interest:
Many traders expressed astonishment at the breadth of information received, resulting in lively discussions and a surge of questions. Market executives praised the initiative and formally expressed willingness to collaborate with IHRC on future outreach programmes.

Addressing Structural Gaps and Urgent Needs

While the campaign achieved significant progress in raising awareness, it also exposed critical infrastructural deficits—notably, the lack of proper waste disposal systems and limited access to potable water within the market. IHRC therefore urgently recommends:

• Immediate governmental intervention to provide clean water sources, waste bins, and essential sanitation logistics in public markets,
• Integration of these improvements into local and state-level policy frameworks to ensure long-term, sustainable hygiene.

Building on Momentum: Next Steps for Community Health

This sensitization campaign served as a strategic prelude to the scheduled environmental sanitation exercise in Ogun State on 10 July 2025, functioning as a vital seminar to bridge knowledge and practice gaps among key market stakeholders.

The volunteers extended their heartfelt appreciation to Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, National Coordinator of IHRC-SMM Nigeria, whose visionary leadership and continued mentorship provide crucial guidance to local chapters across the nation.

IHRC’s Global Mission Reflected Locally

This initiative is a clear testament to the IHRC’s global vision—delivering tangible, positive change within communities and strengthening the capacity of citizens to live with dignity, health, and peace.
The Ifo Market sensitization campaign will remain a benchmark for effective volunteerism and informed community service in Nigeria.

Reported by:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head of Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post IHRC’s Grassroots Impact: Ogun Market Sensitization Ignites Environmental Awakening first appeared on ihrc.news.

Nigeria: Zonal Volunteers Coordinator for the International Human Rights Commission Special Monitoring Mission (IHRC SMM) Ogun State Nigeria, Comrade Lukman Kazeem, on Saturday 15th July, 2023, set up IHRC Crime Prevention and Community Safety Team, to improve Volunteers’ knowledge and capacity in the reducing crime rates in Ogun State Nigeria.

Keynote Speaker at the event, Comr. (Engr.) Somoye Bode while delivering his lecture on Prevention and Safety, reinstate the role of Volunteers in prevention and safety advocacy, urging Volunteers to apply knowledge gained from the event.

As well, Adebisi Sulaimon Bamidele, another keynote speaker, focused his lecture on the Law Perspective of Prevention and Safety. He maintained that there are established laws applicable to everyone in ensuring a crime-free society.

Meanwhile, Comrade Lukman Kazeem, reaffirmed that IHRC Ogun State Volunteers would be committed to reporting issues of crime by sending occuring activities of the violators.

At the end of the event, IHRC mufflers were introduced and decorated to Ogun State volunteers.

Reported
Comr. Kazeem Lukman
ZVC Ogun State, Nigeria.

Editorial:
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Editor-in-Chief Worldwide

The post IHRC Set-up Crime Prevention & Community Safety Team, Ogun State first appeared on ihrc.news.