The event forms part of FADE Africa’s longstanding environmental advocacy programme and aligns directly with the objectives of World Environment Day 2026 and the United Nations Environment Programme’s global call, a campaign urging governments, institutions, communities, and individuals to step in, go further, and take meaningful action to protect the planet.
World Environment Day serves as a reminder that the choices we make today will determine the quality of life available to those who come after us. Nature is not a backdrop to human life; it is the foundation of it. To be inspired by nature is to act in its defence. We must continue to promote sustainable practices and cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility.”
Lead Photo: Dr. Newton Jibunoh leads joint exercise across Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort and Asaba International Airport, reaffirming FADE Africa’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
IN commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, observed globally under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”, FADE Africa (Fight Against Desert Encroachment) partnered with the management of Asaba International Airport to stage a clean-up exercise promoting environmental responsibility, sustainability, and community action across the airport precinct.
The exercise reflected the spirit of this year’s global theme which aims at translating nature-inspired values into direct, on-the-ground climate action. By mobilising airport officials, resort staff, and environmental advocates to collectively clean and restore their shared environment, FADE Africa demonstrated that meaningful climate action begins at the community level, rooted in the places we inhabit and the natural spaces we are called to protect.
The exercise commenced at Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort and extended through the airport premises to the main gate, bringing together airport officials, environmental advocates, and volunteers in a collective effort to champion cleaner, healthier public spaces.
The initiative was led by renowned environmentalist and FADE Africa founder, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, joined by Oluebube Okafor, Programmes Officer of FADE Africa, and Zipporah Okweye, Human Resources Manager of FADE Africa. Key airport officials including General Manager Mr. Barry Webster and Airport Chief Security Officers Mr. Mohworode Franklin and Mr. Charles Aroguma participated alongside staff of Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort and the Asaba International Airport Authority.
Stated the chief Convener of the event, Dr Newton Chuka Jibunoh, fondly called the “Desert Warrior” because of his exploits in conquering the Sahara Desert four times:
“For over two decades, we have continued to advocate for environmental protection through tree planting, public awareness campaigns, and community clean-up exercises such as this. The environment sustains us all, and every citizen has a role to play in keeping it clean and preserving it for future generations.
World Environment Day serves as a reminder that the choices we make today will determine the quality of life available to those who come after us. Nature is not a backdrop to human life; it is the foundation of it. To be inspired by nature is to act in its defence. We must continue to promote sustainable practices and cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility.”
Mr. Barry Webster, General Manager of Asaba International Airport, commended the collaboration, noting its broader significance for Nigeria’s environmental future. He said:
“This was a very good exercise, and we thoroughly enjoyed participating in it. Nigeria is blessed with fertile and productive soil, which remains one of our greatest natural assets. It is therefore important that we protect our environment and ensure our natural resources are preserved for future generations.”
The event forms part of FADE Africa’s longstanding environmental advocacy programme and aligns directly with the objectives of World Environment Day 2026 and the United Nations Environment Programme’s global call, a campaign urging governments, institutions, communities, and individuals to step in, go further, and take meaningful action to protect the planet.
As the exercise concluded, participants reiterated that being inspired by nature carries a responsibility; to protect it, restore it, and pass it on in better condition than we found it. They called for stronger, sustained collaboration between public institutions, private organisations, and civil society in addressing the environmental challenges facing Nigeria and the wider African continent.
About FADE Africa
FADE Africa (Fight against Desert Encroachment) is an environmental non-governmental organisation founded by Dr. Newton Jibunoh. Accredited by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), FADE Africa works to combat desertification, restore degraded lands, promote biodiversity conservation, and encourage sustainable environmental practices across communities.
Media Contact
FADE Africa Communications
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