A significant turnout of youths in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, defied rainfall to participate in the 2026 YOMA World Clean Up exercise. The event, held across three locations, was organised with the support of UNICEF and implemented in collaboration with the University of Cross River State and youth-led organisations. The exercise aimed to promote environmental cleanliness and encourage young people to take greater responsibility for their communities.
The clean-up exercise took place at Marian Market, Beach Market in Calabar South, and White House Street. Volunteers cleared refuse and plastic waste from the affected areas. Dr. Victor Ndifon, Acting Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Cross River State, noted that the university was directly participating in the initiative for the first time through its Student Affairs Division. He emphasised the importance of young people contributing to the state's development.
According to Dr. Ndifon, many UNICROSS students across the three senatorial districts were willing to volunteer for similar environmental initiatives. He expressed the university's willingness to engage UNICEF on the possibility of extending similar activities to other parts of the state. The exercise provided an opportunity for young people to contribute to environmental cleanliness and take responsibility for their communities.
Freedom Bassey, State Coordinator of the Young African Leaders Initiative in Cross River State, disclosed that about 1,000 youths participated in the exercise across the three locations. The participants were mobilised through partnerships with youth-led organisations across the state. Bassey highlighted the significance of young people taking proactive roles in making their society better.
Blessing Alims, a volunteer and representative of Bagori Care Foundation, noted that the exercise demonstrated that young people could serve as agents of positive change in their communities. Participants were not paid for the exercise but received reimbursement for transportation. The initiative was not limited to Calabar, with organisers expressing hope that similar youth-led environmental clean-up activities would be replicated in other parts of the state.
Eborty Christianah, a participant and volunteer from UNICROSS, emphasised the responsibility of young people to protect the environment they live in. She noted that coming out despite the rain showed that they were ready to take action and not just complain about the condition of their communities. The initiative encouraged young people to become responsible for keeping their surroundings clean.
The 2026 YOMA World Clean Up exercise was a successful event that brought together youths from across Calabar to promote environmental cleanliness. The organisers, including UNICEF and the University of Cross River State, demonstrated their commitment to encouraging young people to take greater responsibility for their communities. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and inspire young people to take action.
Key points
- Over 1,000 youths participated in the 2026 YOMA World Clean Up exercise in Calabar.
- The exercise was organised with the support of UNICEF and implemented in collaboration with the University of Cross River State and youth-led organisations.
- The initiative aimed to promote environmental cleanliness and encourage young people to take greater responsibility for their communities.
