By Gabriel Ameh
In a bid to promote environmental sustainability and safeguard public health, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Program (SGP) Nigeria, implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in partnership with the Young Professionals in Policy and Development (YouPaD), EcoCykle, and Basic Rights Watch (BRW), has organized a training workshop on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Awareness for farmers and residents of Gurukum Kasa community.
The sensitization workshop, implemented by YouPaD, brought together community leaders, farmers, and youths to deepen understanding of POPs, their sources, and their impact on human health, agriculture, and the environment.
Delivering the lead presentation titled “Introduction to POPs Awareness: Nature, Sources, Health and Environmental Risks,” Dr. Ugonna Obi-Emeruwa described POPs as dangerous chemicals that persist in the environment for many years, accumulate in living organisms, and pose long-term risks to both humans and wildlife. He noted that POPs are found in pesticides, plastics, industrial waste, and household materials, stressing the need for safer alternatives and proper waste management.
Participants also engaged in an interactive role play session facilitated by Laurita Boniface, which dramatized how POPs enter homes and farmlands through everyday activities such as burning plastics and using harmful chemicals. The session helped simplify complex environmental concepts for local understanding.
Speaking on “POPs in Farming and Household Practices,” Sophie urged farmers to embrace eco-friendly pest control methods and avoid the misuse of chemicals. She emphasized that every small step toward safe farming contributes to a healthier environment and community.
The training team also paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Gurukum Kasa community, who warmly welcomed the delegation and commended their commitment to grassroots environmental awareness.
In his remarks, the Chief stated:
“This visit and training have opened our eyes to the dangers of some practices we took for granted. We appreciate YouPaD, SGP Nigeria, UNDP, EcoCykle, and BRW for coming to educate our people. From now on, we will be more careful in handling chemicals and waste in our farms and homes.”
In an exclusive interview with Media360Impact, participants Mohammed Bin Laden and Amina Shuaibu expressed gratitude for the training, describing it as timely and enlightening.
According to Mohammed, “This workshop has shown us how our daily farming habits can affect our health. I will begin to change how I handle chemicals on my farm.”
Amina added, “I have learned that some household materials are dangerous. I’ll share this knowledge with my neighbors and protect my family better.”
The workshop ended with a community pledge to raise awareness on POPs and promote safer environmental practices.
