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Finima Youth Congress Leads Successful Market Sanitation Exercise at Agaja Market

Community Spirit Shines in Agaja Market Sanitation Drive

By Omie D. Brown, Special Correspondent

Finima, Bonny Local Government Area – A wave of community-driven action swept through Agaja Market on Thursday, 14 August 2025, as local traders and a dedicated environmental team joined forces for a comprehensive sanitation exercise. The initiative, spearheaded by the Finima Youth Congress (FYC) Environmental Committee, underscored a strong and ongoing commitment to public health, hygiene, and environmental sustainability within the Finima community and the wider Bonny Local Government Area.

The periodic clean-up, conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., was described as a resounding success, demonstrating the power of a united community. Led by the Public Relations Officer (P.R.O) of the FYC Environmental Committee, Omie D. Brown, and executed under the direct instruction of the FYC Director of Environment, the operation forms part of the FYC’s long-standing resolution to maintain a clean and healthy environment for both residents and visitors.

Market Women Lead by Example

The response from the market women was overwhelmingly positive. Guided by their own leadership, traders participated with enthusiasm, discipline, and a shared sense of responsibility. Witnesses reported a high level of compliance, with market women diligently clearing refuse, sweeping stalls, and ensuring that trading areas were spotless.

For two hours, the normally bustling market transformed into a hive of coordinated cleaning activities. Stalls were rearranged, waste was collected in an orderly fashion, and the drainage channels were cleared of debris. The scene reflected a community determined to set a high standard for cleanliness.

A senior market representative, who preferred to remain anonymous, summed up the general sentiment:

“We are so happy with how clean the market looks now. The FYC team has done a wonderful job in organising this, and it shows what we can achieve when we all work together.”

Shared Pride in a Job Well Done

Following the completion of the exercise, the atmosphere in the market was one of palpable satisfaction. Traders resumed their daily business against the backdrop of a cleaner, more welcoming environment. Many expressed their gratitude to the FYC Environmental Committee and the FYC Central Executive Council for initiating, enforcing, and overseeing the sanitation exercise.

The traders’ praise was accompanied by a pledge—one that holds significant meaning for the community’s environmental future. They promised to continue observing the sanitation routine regularly, even without external supervision. This commitment marks a shift from reactive clean-ups to a proactive, ingrained culture of cleanliness.

Such self-sustainability is a hallmark of successful community-led initiatives, and in this case, it signifies a long-term win for both the FYC and the people of Finima.

Calls for Urgent Infrastructure Support

Despite the upbeat mood, the market women also seized the moment to raise pressing infrastructural concerns. They issued a heartfelt appeal to the Sole Administrator of Bonny Local Government Area (LGA) and other stakeholders, urging immediate intervention in rehabilitating the market’s borehole.

A reliable supply of potable water, they stressed, is vital for maintaining hygiene in both food preparation and general market operations. The lack of a functioning borehole hampers these efforts and undermines the sanitation gains made during such exercises.

One stall owner put it plainly:

“A clean environment is not just about sweeping and tidying up; it’s also about having the basic amenities to support that cleanliness. We need clean water for our produce and for ourselves, and proper toilets are essential for public health. We hope the LGA and other stakeholders hear our plea and come to our aid.”

Alongside the call for water infrastructure, traders also highlighted the urgent need for functional, well-maintained toilet facilities. Without these, they warned, it will be difficult to sustain hygiene standards and prevent the spread of disease.

FYC’s Ongoing Mission for a Cleaner Finima

The FYC Environmental Committee has consistently demonstrated leadership in promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness in the Finima community. Regular market sanitation exercises, community-wide clean-up campaigns, and educational outreach form part of their broader strategy to foster a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Speaking after the exercise, Omie D. Brown reaffirmed the organisation’s vision:

“Today’s success shows what’s possible when a community comes together. Our goal has always been to instil a culture of environmental responsibility that will last for generations. The market women’s commitment to continuing this work, even without our direct supervision, is proof that change is taking root.”

A Model for Other Communities

The Agaja Market clean-up stands as a model for other markets and communities across the Niger Delta and beyond. It demonstrates that when local leadership, community members, and youth organisations work hand-in-hand, tangible improvements in public health and environmental quality can be achieved.

However, sustaining these results will require continued investment and collaboration. Stakeholders, both public and private, have an opportunity to reinforce the community’s efforts by addressing infrastructure needs such as the borehole and sanitation facilities.

Providing these amenities would not only safeguard public health but also serve as a powerful endorsement of the traders’ self-help initiatives. It would show that community-driven projects are not only acknowledged but supported at higher levels of governance.

Looking Ahead

The story of Agaja Market on 14 August 2025 is one of collaboration, resilience, and shared vision. It is about a community taking ownership of its environment, celebrating its achievements, and advocating for the resources it needs to sustain them.

As the freshly cleaned stalls reopened for business, the air carried more than the scent of fresh produce; it carried a renewed sense of pride and unity. The clean-up was more than an exercise—it was a declaration that environmental stewardship in Finima is not just a policy but a way of life.

Now, the challenge and opportunity lie with local authorities and stakeholders to respond to the market women’s plea, ensuring that this vision of a healthier, cleaner future becomes a permanent reality.

🖊️ Omie D. Brown
P.R.O – FYC Environmental Committee
For and on behalf of the FYC Director of Environment

FYC Environmental Committee Addresses Viral Video Allegations at Agaja Market

FYC Environmental Team Intervenes at Agaja Market Following Public Health Scare

FINIMA – The Finima Youth Council (FYC) Environmental Committee has launched an extensive monitoring and public health education programme at Agaja market after a viral online video sparked widespread public outrage. The video, which circulated on various social media platforms, alleged that a vegetable vendor was using water from a contaminated source to wash his produce, raising serious concerns about food safety and public health within Finima community and Bonny Kingdom.

In a swift and organised response, the FYC Director of Environment and a dedicated environmental team descended on the market on Monday, 11th August 2025. Their visit was aimed at conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the claims and ensuring that the health of the community’s residents was not being compromised. The speed of the FYC’s intervention underscored the severity of the public’s reaction and the urgency with which community leaders needed to address the issue.

The initial allegation, fueled by the video, pointed to a specific pit as the source of the unsanitary water. However, the FYC’s on-site investigation, which included gathering information from multiple eyewitnesses and engaging directly with the market leadership, unearthed a different, yet equally disturbing, truth. According to the findings, the vendor in question had not, in fact, used the alleged pit. Instead, the team discovered a more systemic and widespread problem: numerous fruit and vegetable sellers were habitually using collected rainwater to prepare their goods for sale.

This practice, while seemingly benign to the vendors, was immediately flagged as a serious public health risk by the FYC team. “Using rainwater to wash foodstuffs is an unhealthy act that is highly condemnable,” stated a source close to the committee. The FYC explained that rainwater, particularly in an urban or semi-urban environment, can be a host for various contaminants. As it falls and collects, it can pick up pollutants from the atmosphere, dirt and grime from rooftops and guttering, as well as bacteria from unsanitary storage containers. The risk of waterborne diseases and other health complications for consumers is, therefore, significant.

The discovery prompted an immediate educational session with the vendors. The FYC team did not simply issue a warning but took the time to explain the dangers of their actions. They provided a detailed and practical lesson on the fundamental importance of using clean, potable water for all food preparation. They stressed that the health of the community was a shared responsibility and that the vendors, as frontline providers of essential foodstuffs, held a crucial role in safeguarding it. The session was intended to be both a stern caution and a constructive effort to reform their practices for the long term.

Following the initial intervention, the FYC Environmental Committee has announced a new, proactive enforcement programme. The committee will henceforth be conducting constant monitoring of vendors’ activities at the market to ensure they comply with standard health practices. This move is a clear signal that the council is not content with a one-off visit but is committed to creating a lasting change in market hygiene standards.

The incident has also highlighted a significant infrastructural deficiency within the market itself. The FYC’s findings point to a lack of a readily available, safe water supply as a root cause of the vendors’ unsanitary practices. In light of this, the FYC has issued a formal and urgent appeal to the Sole Administrator of Bonny Local Government Area (LGA) and other relevant stakeholders. They are calling for immediate intervention to provide a reliable source of clean, potable water within the market premises.

In an official statement, Omie D. Brown, the Public Relations Officer for the FYC Environmental Committee, reiterated the council’s core mission. “We are dedicated to safeguarding the health of residents of Finima community & Bonny Kingdom at large,” the statement read. The call to action is not just for government officials but for the entire community. It reinforces the message that “a healthy environment is a collective effort of every individual.” The FYC is urging all citizens to join hands in making Finima and Bonny Kingdom a safer and healthier place for all.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate link between public health, community action, and government infrastructure. The swift response from the FYC, driven by a concerned citizenry, has not only addressed an immediate health scare but has also shone a light on the broader need for improved market facilities. As the FYC begins its sustained monitoring efforts, the community now looks to the local government to provide the essential infrastructure that will allow vendors to operate safely and ensure the continued well-being of all residents. The hope is that this incident will catalyse lasting change, leading to a more hygienic and secure food supply for Finima and Bonny Kingdom.

“A healthy environment is a collective responsibility,” said Omie D. Brown, Public Relations Officer of the FYC Environmental Committee. “We must work together to make Finima Community and Bonny Kingdom safe and healthy for all.”

The FYC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of residents in Finima and the wider Bonny Kingdom.

children protesting against abomination

Breaking the Chains: Finima Youth Congress Leads the Charge Against Drug Abuse on International Day

FINIMA, Rivers State—June 26, 2025— Today, as the world observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Finima Youth Congress (FYC) has pledged its unwavering commitment to combating this pervasive issue within its community. Under this year’s poignant theme, “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All”, the FYC has outlined a comprehensive strategy to address the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and the broader societal fabric.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987, serves as a global call to action to strengthen cooperation and achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. This annual observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society and to inspire worldwide efforts to reduce drug demand and supply. The theme “Breaking the Chains” resonates deeply with the FYC’s proactive stance, highlighting the critical need for a multi-faceted approach that not only prevents individuals from falling victim to addiction but also provides robust support for those on the path to recovery.

Comrade Abraham Brown, Director of Social Welfare and Youth Development for the Finima Youth Congress, articulated the organisation’s profound concern and sense of responsibility. “As a responsible and concerned youth organisation,” Comr. Brown stated in a press release issued today, “the Finima Youth Congress recognises the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities. We acknowledge the crucial role we play in prevention and support.” His words underscore the FYC’s understanding that youth organisations, by virtue of their direct engagement with the demographic most vulnerable to drug-related challenges, hold a unique and powerful position in shaping positive outcomes.

The FYC’s strategy is built upon three core pillars: Awareness Creation, Support for Recovery, and Community Engagement. Each pillar is designed to address a distinct yet interconnected aspect of the drug abuse crisis.

Firstly, Awareness Creation will be a cornerstone of the FYC’s efforts. The organisation plans to intensify its educational initiatives, reaching out to its members and the wider Finima community. These efforts will focus on disseminating accurate information about the myriad dangers associated with drug abuse, encompassing both the immediate and long-term health consequences as well as the social and economic repercussions. Furthermore, the campaigns will actively promote healthy lifestyles, emphasising alternative activities and positive coping mechanisms as a bulwark against the allure of illicit substances. This proactive approach aims to equip individuals, particularly young people, with the knowledge and resilience needed to make informed choices and resist peer pressure.

Secondly, the FYC has committed to providing Support for Recovery. This crucial aspect acknowledges that prevention alone is insufficient; many individuals are already grappling with addiction and require empathetic and effective assistance to reclaim their lives. While the specifics of the support mechanisms are yet to be fully detailed, the FYC’s pledge to “ensure they receive the help they need to recover” suggests a commitment to connecting individuals with professional counselling services, rehabilitation programmes, and peer support networks. This could involve acting as a referral service, a liaison with mental health professionals, or even establishing safe spaces for sharing experiences and offering mutual encouragement. The emphasis here is on a compassionate and non-judgemental approach to recovery, recognising that addiction is a complex health issue rather than a moral failing.

Finally, Community Engagement forms the third vital component of the FYC’s strategy. The organisation understands that the fight against drug abuse cannot be waged in isolation. Therefore, it plans to actively engage with local authorities, including law enforcement agencies, as well as other community organisations and stakeholders. This collaborative approach is intended to foster a unified front against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, promoting the sharing of resources, intelligence, and best practices. By working in concert, the FYC believes that a more holistic and effective response can be mounted, addressing not only the symptoms of drug abuse but also its underlying root causes. This could involve joint awareness campaigns, intelligence sharing to disrupt supply chains, or collaborative initiatives to create more opportunities for youth development and engagement, thereby reducing vulnerability to drug use.

In a tangible demonstration of its commitment, the Finima Youth Congress announced that it would commence its fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking immediately. “In commemoration of this day”, the press release stated, “we will commence the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in our community, collaborating with the law enforcement agencies and others to identify and address the root causes of drug abuse.” This direct call to action signifies a shift from mere rhetoric to concrete steps, signalling the FYC’s readiness to actively participate in intelligence gathering, community policing efforts, and initiatives aimed at dismantling drug networks.

Comr. Abraham Brown concluded his statement with a powerful call for unity: “Together, We Can Make a Difference. Let us join forces to break the chains of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. We urge everyone to get involved in the fight against this scourge.” This message underscores the collective responsibility that lies with every member of society – individuals, families, community groups, and government agencies – to contribute to creating a drug-free environment.

The Finima Youth Congress’s proactive stance on this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking offers a beacon of hope for the Finima community. By focusing on prevention, providing support for recovery, and fostering robust community engagement, the FYC aims to not only mitigate the devastating effects of drug abuse but also empower its community members to build a healthier, safer, and more prosperous future, free from the insidious grip of addiction. The journey to break the chains of drug abuse is long and challenging, but with dedicated organisations like the Finima Youth Congress leading the charge, the prospect of a brighter tomorrow appears increasingly within reach.

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