By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The French Embassy says Yaba College of Technology’s (YabaTech) PlastoGas Project will drive capacity building, research, and awareness on proper plastic waste management and sustainability.
PlastoGas Hub is an initiative that converts plastic waste into gas through an innovative waste-to-energy process, supported by the French Embassy Fund (FEF), Weircapacity Ltd., 7Up Bottling Company, and other partners.
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He said the PlastoGas Hub was both a recycling facility and a centre for learning, innovation, and knowledge transfer, linking environmental responsibility with education and practical solutions.
Andriamampianina noted that the Embassy anticipated the hub’s contributions to waste management innovation, clean energy solutions, capacity building, and hands-on learning for the campus and wider community.
He reaffirmed the French Embassy’s commitment to supporting sustainable development, innovation, and institutional collaboration, expressing hope that the initiative would grow and inspire similar projects.
Andriamampianina was represented at the event by Eno-Obong Sampson, Project Coordinator, French Embassy Fund (FEF) in Nigeria.
In her address, Dr Lauretta Ofodile, Team Lead of the YabaTech PlastoGas Hub, highlighted the project’s role in advancing research, innovation, and student engagement in sustainable waste-to-energy solutions.
Ofodile explained that the YabaTech PlastoGas Hub would promote responsible plastic waste collection through smart systems, convert plastic waste into usable energy resources, and serve as a training and research hub for students, artisans and innovators.
“The PlastoGas Hub was conceived as an integrated solution that brings together smart plastic collection, recycling, gasification, training and community engagement.
“From the very beginning, our goal has been clear: to move beyond waste management and into value creation, capacity building and climate-conscious innovation.
She pointed out stakeholders who supported as including the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA); Yaba, Shomolu and Bariga Local Council Development Areas, and Green Minds Environmental Foundation, amongst others,
The Project Manager, Weircapacity Ltd., Uzoechi Blessing, described PlastoGas as an innovative response to plastic waste challenges, promoting clean energy, sustainability, and circular economy principles within the academia.
She commended YabaTech’s leadership for embracing forward-looking solutions and praised the dedication and technical capacity of the project team throughout its implementation and monitoring.
Blessing expressed confidence that the PlastoGas Project would serve as a model for other institutions and significantly improve sustainable waste management practices in Nigeria.
Earlier, the YabaTech Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, said the innovation advanced environmental sustainability, strengthened energy security, supported circular economy principles, and created pathways for meaningful community development.
Abdul described PlastoGas as a natural extension of YabaTech’s legacy, aligning with priorities of research-driven innovation, environmental sustainability, and industry-relevant skills development.
He urged students and researchers to adopt bold, interdisciplinary thinking, stressing that sustainability was an essential responsibility, while underscoring the value of strategic academic-industry-international partnerships.
The rector applauded the French Embassy and its Fund (FEF), and the Science and Higher Education Attaché for their financial support and confidence in YabaTech’s researchers.
Abdul, who was represented by Mr Femi Lawal, the institution’s Deputy Rector (Administration), said the collaboration demonstrated the power of international cooperation in addressing shared global challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Christiana Fadare
