By Justina Auta
The Nasarawa State Government and Digital Peers International (DPI) have intensified youth engagement on effective plastic use and sustainable waste management to promote environmental protection and economic opportunities.
The initiative, tagged “Deploying the Power of IT-Engaged Youths in Effective Plastic Use and Plastic Waste Management,” was highlighted during a clean-up exercise in Masaka on Tuesday.
The exercise was organised under the DPI–SGP 2.0 Project.
The Chief Executive Officer of DPI, Dr Ibukun Odusote, said the project was aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, responsible plastic use and youth-driven solutions to plastic pollution.
Odusote, represented by the organisation’s Programme Officer, Mr Pada Zadunya, said the initiative also sought to encourage cleaner communities.
She said the exercise was designed to drive behavioural change, innovation in plastic waste management, green enterprise development and sustainable youth employment.
“It is aimed at building awareness, promoting behavioural change, encouraging innovation in plastic waste management, supporting green enterprises and creating sustainable opportunities for young people,” she said.
Odusote commended the support of the United Nations Development Programme-Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (UNDP-GEF SGP) Nigeria and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).
She reaffirmed DPI’s commitment to sustaining environmental impact beyond the lifespan of the project.
The Director-General of the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority (NASWAMSA), Mr Mohammed Bello-Isa, said the initiative aligned with government efforts to ensure a clean environment.
Bello-Isa, represented by the Director of Waste Management, Mr Ishaq Abubakar-Ibrahim, said the exercise would help improve environmental conditions in the area.
He urged residents to view waste as a resource capable of generating income and employment through recycling and waste-to-wealth initiatives.
According to him, plastic waste management remains a priority, while organic waste can be converted into manure to support agricultural production.
“About 65 per cent of our waste stream is organic in nature and can be processed into useful organic manure,” he said.
Bello-Isa said plastic recycling also offers significant economic opportunities and can create jobs and wealth for residents.
He disclosed that the state had secured support from the Federal Ministry of Environment for a plastic recycling plant in Karu.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health at NASWAMSA, Dr Joseph David-Anzaku, commended the initiative as timely and impactful.
David-Anzaku warned that indiscriminate waste disposal contributes to the spread of communicable diseases and other public health challenges.
He said poor waste management increases healthcare costs by diverting resources to treating preventable diseases.
The event featured a community clean-up exercise and youth sensitisation campaign on sustainable plastic use, recycling and environmental responsibility.
Some participants said the initiative would promote sustainable environmental practices and create economic opportunities along the plastic value chain. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Tosin Kolade
