The Sentinel Oasis for Love Care Initiative (SOLCI) and the Jos Town Ambassadors (JTA) Foundation, in partnership with other key stakeholders, participated in the official launch of a biweekly community cleaning exercise aimed at promoting environmental sanitation and community responsibility. The initiative, championed by the Executive Director of SOLCI, Haroun Audu, reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to encourage collaborative civic engagement and foster a culture of environmental cleanliness across communities in Jos.
The inaugural exercise was held at Tudun Wada in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. The event brought together representatives from SOLCI, JTA, civil society organizations, state and federal government agencies, professional bodies, traditional institutions, and community groups who share a common commitment to improving environmental hygiene and fostering a sense of collective responsibility among residents.
Representing Jos Town Ambassadors (JTA) at the event were Odessa M. Chuwang, who spoke on behalf of the organization, alongside other members, including Isaac Ayenajah and Pam Chuwang Toma. In her remarks, Ms. Chuwang commended SOLCI for spearheading the sanitation campaign and emphasized the importance of sustained community participation in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
She noted that initiatives of this nature not only contribute significantly to improved public health outcomes but also strengthen social cohesion by encouraging residents to take shared responsibility for the well-being of their communities. She further provided background information on the formation of JTA, outlining the organization’s vision and commitment to promoting community development, peacebuilding, and civic engagement across Jos and Plateau State.
The event also witnessed the participation of several notable stakeholders and institutional representatives. The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) was represented by Mako Luka, who highlighted the importance of community-based sanitation initiatives in complementing government efforts to maintain environmental standards and mitigate public health risks associated with poor waste management.
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Plateau State Chapter, was represented by the Vice Chairman, Sunny Dung, while the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) was represented by the Chairman, Ayuku Pwaspo. Their presence underscored the vital role of public communication and media advocacy in promoting environmental awareness and mobilizing wider community participation in sanitation efforts.
The cleaning exercise involved SOLCI community volunteers and participants from different communities in Jos North, who worked together to clear refuse, sweep public spaces, and sensitize residents to proper waste disposal practices.
This initiative represents an important first step toward fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and active civic participation. With sustained commitment and community ownership, the biweekly sanitation exercise has the potential to evolve into a sustainable model for community-driven environmental management across other parts of Plateau State.
The next cleanup exercise is scheduled for 28th March 2026 at Jenta Adamu, where residents, volunteers, and partner organizations are again expected to come together to sustain the initiative’s momentum and further promote environmental cleanliness in the community.
Pam Chuwang Toma
Administrative Assistant, JTA