Sports
NSC, Royal Commonwealth Society Launch ‘Clean Oceans’ Plastic Campaign Ahead of Glasgow 2026 Games
By Joel Ajayi
As part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and youth engagement ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), in partnership with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Commonwealth Games Nigeria, has officially launched the Clean Oceans Plastic Awareness Campaign in Nigeria.
The initiative was formally flagged off on Wednesday at Jabi Lake, Abuja. It aims to raise awareness about plastic pollution, promote responsible disposal of plastic waste, and engage young people in environmental conservation—particularly around the nation’s waterways.
Speaking at the event, the Country Director and CEO of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Mr. Blackson Olaseni Bayewumi, said the campaign is part of a broader Commonwealth-wide commitment to reducing plastic pollution. He emphasized the transformative role of sports in driving environmental awareness and behavioral change among young people.
“The Commonwealth accounts for one-third of the world’s ocean waters, and nearly half of its member states are Small Island Developing States that are disproportionately affected by plastic pollution,” Bayewumi stated.
“The Royal Commonwealth Society’s Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign aims to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways. The campaign will combine education with local action, encouraging people to reduce plastic use, explore alternatives, and minimize pollution.”
Bayewumi revealed that the action component of the campaign will be delivered in collaboration with Commonwealth Sport as a key feature of the newly reimagined King’s Baton Relay.
This version of the Relay, focused on sustainability and environmental consciousness, was launched by His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025. It marks the start of a 500-day journey to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, set for July 2026.
As the Baton travels through all Commonwealth nations and territories, the campaign will unite youth, athletes, conservationists, and communities in week-long activities—most notably plastic clean-ups.
Bayewumi highlighted the scale of the global plastic crisis, noting: “We produce over 400 million tonnes of plastic annually, and more than 12 million tonnes end up in our oceans. If this trend continues, by 2050 there could be more plastic in the oceans than fish.
“Plastic pollution threatens marine life—suffocating birds, fish, and sea mammals, while damaging entire ecosystems. What’s more alarming is that when plastic breaks down into microplastics, it enters our food, water, and air, posing unknown risks to human health.”
He warned that early studies suggest microplastics may disrupt various bodily functions, and currently, there is no known method to remove them from the human body.
With this initiative, Nigeria joins other Commonwealth nations in reaffirming its commitment to a greener, cleaner planet in the countdown to Glasgow 2026.
Notable dignitaries at the launch included the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; the Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade; President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel; as well as other senior directors and stakeholders in the Nigerian sports and environmental sectors.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News9 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
