By Tiamiyu Barakata
The Federation of Ibadan Students Union, University of Ibadan (FIBSU UI), Amorawa, commenced its 2026 Cultural Week on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with a community sanitation exercise at Agbeni Market, Ibadan.
The exercise was the first activity of the annual week and was tagged “Operation Clean Up Ibadan 1.0” centred on the theme, “Our Roots. Our Stories. Our Heritage.” It focused on reconnecting with Ibadan’s roots while contributing to communities associated with the city’s heritage.
Initially, Members of FIBSU UI converged at the University of Ibadan at about 7:00 a.m. before proceeding to Agbeni Market, where the exercise lasted until approximately 10:00 a.m.
The sanitation activities covered Agbeni Market, Agbeni Health Care Centre, the road leading to Foko Primary Health Centre and the Ita Foko area.
The students swept roads and shop fronts, picked up litter and cleared dirt from gutters around the market and surrounding streets. The initiative also promoted environmental responsibility, proper waste disposal and community participation.
Furthermore, the exercise drew reactions from traders and residents in the area. Some market women asked the students to extend the cleaning to their shops, while others welcomed and commended the initiative.
A young man approached the students to ask about the purpose of the exercise. The students explained that they were University of Ibadan students carrying out the initiative to promote cleanliness and healthier living in their ancestral community.
The students also carried placards bearing messages promoting Ibadan’s heritage and identity, including “Ibadan tó mọ́, ni Ibadan tí wà”, “Ibadan ni oríṣun wa, Olúyọ̀lé oníbàjẹ́” and “This time, we’re not just telling the story. We’re writing it with our hands.”
Speaking on the exercise, Ààrẹ Robiat Olajumoke Abdullahi, President of FIBSU UI, commended members and volunteers for their turnout and participation.
She described the exercise as “a practical expression of the Cultural Week theme” and appreciated those who contributed to its success.
The sanitation exercise marked the beginning of FIBSU UI Amorawa’s annual week under the administration of Ààrẹ Robiat Olajumoke Abdullahi, with the union combining community service with activities centred on Ibadan’s heritage and identity.
