Lions International: Environmental awareness rises as Ikeja Metro Leo Club cleans Ogba market

In a determined effort to promote environmental sanitation and public health, the Ikeja Metro Zone Leo Club, in partnership with Ikeja Unique Leo Club, on Friday, spearheaded a community cleanup exercise at the Sunday Market in Ogba, Lagos, under the campaign theme “Clean for Change.”

The initiative, which aligns with Lions Clubs International’s global service focus on environmental sustainability, brought together youth volunteers from both clubs. They swept market surroundings, sensitised traders on hygiene practices, and donated cleaning materials to support continuous sanitation efforts.

Speaking during the outreach, President of the Ikeja Unique Leo club, Leo Kareem Olawale Mojeeb, emphasised that the environment is one of Lions Clubs International’s eight global causes, which also include diabetes, pediatric cancer, hunger, and vision.

“We believe that a clean environment contributes to healthy living. The people in the market are doing their part; this cleanup is our way of supporting them to show they’re not alone,” Olawale said. “We donated cleaning materials so they can sustain these efforts without bearing the costs personally.”

Mojeed added that similar environmental projects have been held in Alausa, Mushin Market, Oyingbo, and Ogba, with future plans for more locations.

Also speaking, President of the Ikeja Metro Zone Leo Club, 2025/2026 lion service year, Leo Adeniyi Oluwatobi Modupe highlighted the health benefits of a clean market, particularly for vendors selling raw food items.

“A clean environment reduces disease and helps people understand the value of hygiene,” she said. “When sellers clean their spaces, they gain control and dignity in how their goods are presented. It creates a sense of responsibility.”

Modupe noted that the clubs conducted public awareness campaigns ahead of the event, engaging with the Iyaloja (market leader) and other market executives, while also promoting the project on social media.

Project Director for the Ikeja Metro Leo Club (2025–2026 Lion Service Year), Leo Aderonke Adetunji, explained how the idea was born out of a spontaneous discussion at the start of the club’s new service year.

“It was just something that came out of the blue. The president suggested doing something on the environment, and we all agreed that a market like this is one of those places where deep cleaning is needed,” she said.

She also advised traders to take responsibility for cleanliness in their trading environment:

“Hygiene is vital because this is where we all get our food and daily essentials. The rush and crowd can make people overlook cleanliness, but that’s dangerous. If markets can organise regular sanitation—maybe by outsourcing cleaners weekly or monthly—it would go a long way in preventing illnesses.”

The initiative was met with appreciation from market women and traders, who thanked the Leo Clubs for their selfless effort and for providing cleaning materials to support a cleaner and healthier environment. Many of them described the visit as “timely” and “thoughtful,” expressing hope that such gestures would continue and even expand.

The Leo Clubs reaffirmed their commitment to public service, noting plans to integrate recycling and structured waste management in future initiatives as part of a broader goal of sustainable environmental development.

As Lions Clubs International often says, “Where there is a need, there is a Lion”, a motto reflected in this market-centred initiative that blends community service with civic education and grassroots impact.