By Oluwabunmi Stephen
The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Federal Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders collaborated to hold a one-day training for waste workers in Jabi District, Abuja to promote sustainable plastic value chain through circular economy practices to mitigate climate change.
While declaring the training open, representative of UNIDO, Dr. Osuji Otu, who serves as the National Programme Officer stated that project was embarked upon because of the need to engage stakeholders to ensure proper waste management, thereby combatting climate change. He said that one of the problems of plastic pollution could be solved through the advocacy approach, raising awareness towards better use and disposal of plastics in Abuja and Nigeria.
He noted that the issue of plastic economy has gained significant attraction in recent years, saying that the concept of circular economy is to minimise waste and maximise the value of resources by putting materials in use for as long as possible. This prompted the need to train waste workers on best practices.
“ I urge you all to participate actively as your participation is very crucial to the success of this project. We have already trained several waste management experts who in turn will train you. I am so happy to so happy to see a lot of women here”
In his remark, Engineer Douglas Olonto, Deputy Director AEPB appreciated waste pickers across the FCT for their tireless effort in keeping the federal capital clean and healthy. He stated that the AEPB and UNIDO will continue to support them to make things easier.
Mr Benjamin Enwerem, Director of Solid Waste Management, AEPB, said that Jabi was chosen for the plastic project because there are mixed settlements in the area.
“Settlements such as business institutions, organised settlements villages, commercial centres, schools and offices and so on.
“So, in this project we are going to target both formal and informal settlements around Jabi for plastic recycling,” Enwerem said.
During the training, lectures were delivered by experts on types of plastic wastes and their characteristics, proper storage of plastic waste, transportation best practices, hazards associated with plastic waste collection and handling amongst others.
The event had participants drawn districts from Abuja, members of Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria, AEPB, waste management experts and other relevant stakeholders