The Nigeria Plastic Solutions Activity, and the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), have held a plastic waste recycling engagement for stakeholders in the State.
The stakeholder’s engagement which took place in Awka was targeted to highlight the shared commitment to creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Anambra State through strategic partnerships and innovative waste management solutions.
It attracted over one hundred and sixty stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, environmental experts, and representatives from various organizations.
The Nigeria Plastic Solutions Activity, an initiative led by TechnoServe has the United States Agency for International Development and Coca Cola Foundation as partners.
It is dedicated to intercepting plastic waste at the source and transforming it into valuable resources, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable communities and exemplifies the commitment of USAID, Coca-Cola Foundation, and TechnoServe to environmental sustainability and economic development in Nigeria.
TechnoServe, itself, is a leading international development non-profit that harnesses the power of the private sector to help beneficiaries lift themselves out of poverty.
Based in Washington DC, United States of America, TechnoServe has operations in over twenty-nine countries and is committed to working with enterprising businesses and individuals in the developing world and emerging markets to build competitive farms, businesses, and industries.
Nigeria contributes significantly to global plastic waste with just twelve percent being recycled which has made plastic pollution a major social problem in the country, says the Country Director of TechnoServe Nigeria, Adesuwa Akinboro at the stakeholders engagement.
Represented by the Senior Programme Manager, Benneth Obasiohia, Akinboro said that this is why the Nigeria Plastic Solutions Activity, aims to recycle forty-nine thousand metric tons of plastic waste in two years with twenty-nine thousand tons targeted from Anambra which is expected to boost local economies and create sustainable livelihoods.
The TechnoServe boss stated that the vision can only be achieved through strategic collaboration across all levels of leadership, urging stakeholders to work together as the success of the initiative depends on collective action.
For Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Engineer Felix Odimegwu, the initiative aligns perfectly with the Anambra State Government’s strategic vision for sustainable development and environmental stewardship; and explained that the ongoing second season of “All Anambra Communities Plastic Wastes Recovery Challenge,” which aims to recover one hundred thousand tons of plastic waste further cements the government’s effort in tackling plastic pollution.
The stakeholders’ engagement featured paper presentations from the Chairman, Governing Board of ASWAMA, Professor Emma Ezenwaji who delivered a paper on “Strategic partnerships for improved waste management service delivery in Anambra State”; a Senior Business Advisor, Mr. Franklin Nwaibe who provided an overview of the Nigeria Plastic Solutions Activity and Reverend Father Jude Ezeanokwasi who discussed waste management policy and regulations in Anambra State.
Other presentations were also made by the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), Anambra State Waste Recycles Association (ASWRA), and plastic aggregators.
The Managing Director of ASWAMA Mr. Mike Ozoemena also appreciated the partners and stakeholders for their support towards making the state a pace setter in the country and assured that the agency will put into use all the suggestions made at the engagement to achieve more sustainable results.
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