By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged households, businesses and communities to reduce food waste and adopt more sustainable practices that protect the environment, as the world marks World Cleanup Day 2026.
Tinubu made the call in a statement issued to commemorate the observance on Sunday, 20 September, 2026, themed “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities.” This was disclosed on the official X handle of the Office of the First Lady, @statehouse_Fl.
In the statement, the First Lady explained that the theme served as a reminder that keeping the environment clean begins with reducing the waste individuals and communities generate. She stressed that this year’s focus on food waste was particularly significant at a time when climate change, conflicts and other global challenges continue to disrupt food production and supply.
“This year’s focus on food waste is particularly important at a time when climate change, conflicts, and other global challenges continue to disrupt food production and supply. We must, therefore, become more responsible in how we purchase, prepare, consume, and preserve food,” she said.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace more sustainable habits in handling food and waste disposal.
“I encourage households, businesses, and communities to reduce food waste, dispose of refuse properly, and adopt more sustainable practices that protect our environment,” she said.
She stressed further that collective effort remained key to building cleaner and healthier communities for present and future generations.
“Through our collective efforts, we can build cleaner, healthier communities for present and future generations,” she said.
She rounded off the statement with felicitations to Nigerians on the global observance.
“Happy World Cleanup Day 2026,” she said.

