Residents of Ikoga and surrounding communities in Badagry have welcomed the commencement of excavation works at the long-abandoned Ikoga dumpsite, marking the first major step toward transforming the area into a sustainable green space.

The intervention is being carried out by the Clean-Up Badagry Initiative in partnership with Prudential Zenith Life Insurance, as part of a broader effort to address long-standing environmental and public health concerns associated with the dumpsite.

For over two decades, the Ikoga dumpsite has posed challenges to residents, including environmental degradation, health risks, and visual blight. The ongoing excavation exercise represents the initial phase of a planned redevelopment programme aimed at reclaiming the site for community use.

Speaking on the project, the Chairperson of the Clean-Up Badagry Initiative, Mrs Tosin Whingan, explained that the effort aligns with the organisation’s mission to promote environmental sustainability, responsible waste management, and community-driven climate action across Badagry communities.

According to her, the transformation of the dumpsite into a green space is expected to significantly improve environmental quality, enhance the aesthetics of the area, and provide long-term social and ecological benefits for residents.

The partnership with Prudential Zenith Life Insurance highlights the role of corporate social responsibility in supporting community-based environmental projects. Both organisations noted that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to creating cleaner, healthier, and more liveable communities.

Community leaders, youths, market men and women, and residents of Ikoga have expressed optimism about the development. Many believe the project will not only restore the degraded site but also create a recreational and environmental asset that can serve as a model for similar initiatives across Badagry and beyond.

The Clean-Up Badagry Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with community members and stakeholders throughout the project’s duration, stressing the importance of collective ownership and sustainable management once the green space is completed.