World Ocean Day is a global observance established by the United Nations, and held annually on June 8 to raise awareness of the oceans’ vital role in sustaining life, regulating the climate, and supporting biodiversity. To celebrate the 2025 edition, Aquaworld CDI, Mundus maris, the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), and AIESEC FUTA co-organized a three-day programme themed “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us” in line with the UN motto for World Ocean Day 2025.  Have a look at this brief summary of the events, outcomes, and overall impact of the celebration.

The objectives of the partners were to

  • promote environmental stewardship and ocean literacy.
  • engage communities and schools in practical and creative advocacy for ocean conservation.
  • inspire young people to catalyse local actions for global marine sustainability.
  • foster partnerships with educational institutions and local stakeholders.

The 2025 World Ocean Day was celebrated in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. The significant events took place in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, between 9th and 11th June 2025. The three days event featured Sokoti Community, Ala River (Day 1), Millennium Model International School (Day 2), and Higher Heights High School (Day 3). The motto for this year aimed at raising awareness about global issues impacting our ocean, the by far biggest connected ecosystem on Planet Earth we all depend on.

Klick on the pages below to catch a glimpse on activities.

The celebration commenced with a clean-up exercise and community eco-awareness engagement at the Ala River environs in the Sokoti Community. A team of 25 volunteers sensitised the local populace, including key stakeholders:

  • Engineer Sanni Oriade Alaro, a community-based technician, acknowledged the concerns of plastic pollution and briefed the other residents about what could and should be done.
  • Some expressed frustration with the so far low effectiveness of government interventions and urged Aquaworld, Mundus maris, and AIESEC FUTA to advocate for a centralised waste disposal facility.

The clean-up effort resulted in removing approximately seven bags of waste, primarily composed of nylons, plastic containers, household trash, and disused cartons, from the riverbanks and stagnant pools, helping to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases such as malaria, but also avoiding that particularly the plastic finds its way through the waterways into the ocean.

Close up of the clean-up

The event was coordinated by Dr. Adeleke Mosunmola Lydia from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), representing Mundus maris asbl in Nigeria and Mr. Olasunkanmi, Senior Programmes Manager, Aquaworld CDI, who stood in for Paul Eweola who is currently on his Master’s programme in Europe. The programme began at 10:30 and went on till 1:00pm.

Dr. O.K. Gbadamosi delivering the lecture on Sustaining what sustains Us

Venue: Millennium Model International School, Akure

The second day featured a lecture series titled “Catalysing Action for Our Ocean & Climate”, delivered to 93 students. Speakers included:

Prof. O. O Olawusi-Peters (Head of Department, Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, FUTA)
Dr M.L. Adeleke (Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology Department, FUTA)
Dr. Wole-Alo (Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, FUTA)
Dr. Gbadamosi (Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology Department, FUTA)
Mr. Olasunkanmi (Senior Programmes Manager, Aquaworld CDI)
Mr. Timothy and Mr. Ayodele Idowu (Environmental Advocates)

Following the lectures were interactive activities, including:

Creative Art Session: During this session, students created artwork depicting marine life and conservation themes around the World Ocean Day celebration.

Two of the organisers, Dr. Wole-Alo and Lydia Adeleke, prepared the water colours and other materials for the painting kit.

Then the pupils of different age groups gave their best.

Over 150 registered participants were at the event.

Group picture with the founder of Millenium Model Schools, Prof. I.A. Ajibefun

Group picture with Participants who took time to do the Painting Assignment

Outstanding participants were presented with gifts in recognition of their creative excellence and commitment to ocean sustainability.

Venue: Higher Heights High School, Akure

This day featured a vibrant display of advocacy-themed paintings and an avenue for students to explain their artwork and its wider environmental significance. Over 120 students from the Secondary levels of Higher Heights High School participated.

Outstanding participants were presented with gifts in recognition of their creative excellence and commitment to ocean sustainability. The event concluded with a closing address by Dr. Lydia. She expressed gratitude to all supporters especially to Prof. O.A. Fagbenro, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the former First Lady of Ondo State, Nigeria, and participants, especially the Undergraduate students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, who participated in the clean-up event. She encouraged them to continue advocating for ocean protection and engaging for restoring ocean health. The program ended with a group photo at the school premises.

Group Picture of Mundus maris representatives, Participants (Students), Principal with the founders of the school

Outcomes and Impact

  1. Waste Reduction: The removal of 7 bags of waste significantly contributed to environmental sanitation in the Shokotse community.

  2. Youth Education and Engagement: Over 213 students were educated on climate-ocean connections and the importance of collective action.

  3. Artistc work for Advocacy: The students’ paintings served as enduring visual advocacy tools.

  4. Strengthened Partnerships: Enhanced collaboration with schools and partner organizations fostered future community engagement opportunities.

  5. Community Dialogue: Constructive exchanges with community leaders highlighted ongoing environmental challenges and opened dialogue for governmental and NGO interventions.

Group Picture of Mundus maris representatives, students, Principal with the founders of the school, Prof. and Dr. Mrs. T. L. Akinbogun

Challenges Encountered

  • Low compliance with sanitation practices among some community residents.

  • Limited support infrastructure, such as waste bins and incinerators.

  • Minimal governmental presence, despite community appeals.

Recommendations

  • Engage local authorities to facilitate the installation of community waste management infrastructure.

  • Organize follow-up community sensitization programs focusing on behavioural change.

  • Expand the art-for-advocacy approach to include digital storytelling and mobile exhibitions.

  • Formalize partnerships with participating schools for long-term environmental education initiatives.