- Empower local women
By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Initiative for the Advancement of Waste Management in Africa (W.A.S.T.E Africa) has taken its plastic waste control programme to Aleyita and environs in the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the event over the weekend, Programme Director, WASTE Africa, Ms. Juliet Odhikori said the programme is to ensure plastic waste doesn’t leak into marine environment.
The Stakeholders’ Engagement with theme “Reducing Marine Plastic Pollution through Recycling” is supported by the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), United Nations Development Programme.
Ms. Odhikori said the women will be taught how to segregate waste and at same time exchange waste for value.
At the event, Engr. Sherifat Lawal, Chief Environmental Engineer, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) commended WASTE Africa for the initiative.
One of the beneficiaries, Madam Saratu Jeremiah Zakwoyi said the initiative is already providing employment for residents of the community, while ensuring cleanliness.
Jaiz Bank was on hand to open account for the women.
The project seeks to reduce plastic pollution in water bodies around Abuja, which is undergoing a fast pace of urbanization and is struggling to adequately meet its waste management needs.
According to National Geographic, 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year and is estimated to triple to 23–27 million tonnes by 2040. With 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, Nigeria is the 9th largest contributor of marine litter in the world and among the top African countries contributing to marine debris and mismanaged plastic flowing into the Gulf of Guinea.
