From Maps to Action: YouthMappers at Gombe State University Joins World Cleanup Day 2025!

Introduction

Every September, the world comes together under one movement: World Cleanup Day — a day where millions of people in over 150 countries unite to fight waste and protect the environment. For us at YouthMappers, Gombe State University (GSU), Nigeria, 2025 was another chance to stand tall as part of this global effort.

On Saturday, September 20, 2025, our chapter joined hands with the global YouthMappers community and the world at large to make a difference in our city. It wasn't just about picking up trash; it was about demonstrating what it means to turn our mapping knowledge, leadership skills, and youthful energy into real community action.

With 26 students and the supervision of Dr. Ibrahim Jimoh Abdulwahab, our chapter coordinator, the program was a mixture of hard work, joy, teamwork, and renewed commitment to the environment.

Pre-Event Preparation and Training

The story of our World Cleanup Day did not start on Saturday morning — it began earlier, with careful preparation. On Thursday, September 18, 2025, we hosted a training session to prepare our members for the big day.

The session was opened by our Chapter President, Amatulhaq Muhammad Salis, who explained the importance of the program and welcomed members who showed interest in being part of the activities. She reminded us that YouthMappers is not just about maps and data — it is about impact, responsibility, and action.

Afterward, I, Adamu Muhammad Adamu, serving as Group Leader and YouthMappers Volunteer Regional Ambassador for Nigeria, continued the session. I introduced members to the objectives of the cleanup, explained the roles each participant would play, and emphasized discipline and teamwork.

The training ended on a lively note: we stepped outside the university halls to do a mini practice cleanup within the GSU campus. Members tried out the tools, asked questions, shared laughter, and took a cheerful group photo. That day, you could feel the excitement — we weren't just preparing for an activity; we were preparing for an experience that would remain in our memories.

The Program Day

Saturday morning came with freshness and anticipation. By 6:00 AM sharp, all participants had assembled at Gombe State University, ready to begin. The atmosphere was electric — some carried gloves, others held brooms, rakes, or masks, and everyone carried the same spirit: the will to make a difference.

Led by the encouragement of our chapter coordinator, Dr. Ibrahim Jimoh Abdulwahab, we set out together as one team. His presence was more than just monitoring; it was a symbol of mentorship and support. He has always been the backbone of our chapter, and once again, he inspired us to give our best in this program.

Our group was well-coordinated: participants were divided into smaller teams, each with clear roles. One member was assigned to capture coordinates and photos at every location, while others focused fully on the cleaning task. This made the work efficient and smooth.

And although cleaning is usually a tiring task, our members filled it with energy, songs, cheers, and laughter. Every bag of trash collected felt like a step toward a better Gombe, and every smile exchanged reminded us that teamwork can turn even the hardest job into something fun.

Team Spirit and Cheer Moments

One of the highlights of the day was the cheerful atmosphere. From the moment we began until the last point, our members kept lifting one another up with jokes, chants, and encouragement. At several points, we raised our voices together in shouts of: "YouthMappers GSU! From Maps to Action!" This became our rhythm of the day — a song of service and joy.

And, of course, the grand finale was the group cheer photo. After hours of cleaning and mapping, we gathered together, raised our hands high, and smiled wide for the camera. That single picture captured what words sometimes cannot: unity, passion, and the power of youth.

Achievements

The success of this program went beyond trash collected — it was about the values we strengthened. Some of the key achievements include:

• Mobilizing 26 students and 1 lecturer in a practical community service project

• Conducting cleanup and awareness efforts across multiple neighborhoods in Gombe metropolis

• Successfully combining digital mapping tools (ChatMap) with on-ground action

• Building stronger teamwork, leadership, and responsibility among chapter members

• Inspiring onlookers and members of the local community to appreciate the importance of a clean environment

• Showcasing the ability of young people to organize, plan, and deliver impactful projects that connect local actions with global goals

  
  

Reflections and Lessons Learned

Every program comes with lessons, and this one was no different. Some of the reflections from members included:

"I never thought cleaning could be this fun when you do it together as a group," said one participant.

"Today showed me that YouthMappers is more than mapping — it's about changing lives," remarked another student.

For others, the highlight was simply being part of a global event that united people around the world on the same day for the same mission.

As a team, we also learned the importance of planning, coordination, and communication. Dividing responsibilities and maintaining discipline ensured that the program was organized and effective.

Acknowledgments

The growth of YouthMappers at Gombe State University would not have been possible without the dedicated leadership of the Chapter Coordinator, Dr. Ibrahim Jimoh Abdulwahab (PhD), whose tireless support has guided the chapter to greater heights.

Special appreciation goes to past leaders and contributors who have played vital roles in shaping the chapter:

• Fahad Mamman Muri – Pioneer President of YouthMappers at Gombe State University, who laid the foundation for the chapter's success.

• Abdullahi Umar Abdullahi – served as President of Geography Students (2022–2023) and, during his tenure, held the position of Secretary of YouthMappers.

• Sulaiman Usman Abdullahi – served as President of Geography Students (2023–2024) and concurrently as Vice President of YouthMappers.

• Idris Mohammed Garba – a postgraduate student of Geography who, during his time at the university, served as Chief Trainer of YouthMappers.

• Khamis Muhammad Lawan – a postgraduate student of Geography who served as President of YouthMappers during his time in the department.

Finally, a heartfelt thanks goes to all members of the YouthMappers Gombe State University Chapter, whose efforts, commitment, and passion have made every achievement possible.

Conclusion

World Cleanup Day 2025 was a huge success for YouthMappers at Gombe State University. It was more than an environmental exercise; it was a day of unity, action, and joy. We laughed, we worked, we cheered, and we made a difference.

With the guidance of Dr. Ibrahim Jimoh Abdulwahab, the leadership of our Chapter President, Amatulhaq Muhammad Salis, and the dedication of every single member, we showed that young people in Gombe are ready to rise to global challenges.

This day reminded us of one powerful truth: when youth come together with passion, knowledge, and teamwork, no challenge is too big. We are proud to have added our hands, our hearts, and our voices to the millions across the globe working toward a cleaner and greener world.

And as we look back on that cheerful group photo, one thing is clear: we didn't just clean. We created memories, built friendships, and proved that from maps to action, change is possible.

About the Author

Adamu Muhammad Adamu is a final-year student in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Faculty of Science, Gombe State University, Nigeria. His academic focus is on Geography, GIS, and environmental studies, with special interest in geospatial analysis, disaster risk management, and urban planning. His passion for mapping and research has shaped both his academic path and leadership journey.