By Lizzy Carr, Bauchi
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has commenced a one week training for 150 Bauchi youths scavengers on waste management.
The training with theme: “Efficient Waste Management Practices and A-Z of Recycling” is taking place at River Edge Hotel Bauchi.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the workshop, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Environment, Suleiman M. Babaji said the training shows the commission’s commitment to secure a sustainable environment not only for present generations but also for the future ones.
He added that the training which is anchored on waste management will help the youths with skills and knowledge on how to harness waste and convert them to wealth in a more safer way.
“This will no doubt contribute positively to the attainment of proper environmental and solid waste management in Bauchi State.”
Babaji noted that focus and emphasis on the environment has become necessary that is why the government and people of Bauchi state must jointly act with a view to solving the problems of the environment through public enlightenment and awareness campaign for massive environmental rehabilitation and protection.
“It is in this regard that the Bauchi state government in the past, set up some precautionary measures that include, establishment of the Ministry of Environment in 2010 with a view to address the environmental challenges affecting the state and initiate the establishment of plastic and metal recycling plant for the management of environmental pollution.
“The state government also granted approval for the State Ministry of Environment to embark on environmental tour of all facilities and equipment under the Ministry, with a view to ascertain their present status, so as to get them revitalized for optimum utilization.”
He stated that the training of 150 youths came at the right time, noting that it has the potentials of providing strategies to address the environmental challenges facing the state.
Representative of the NEDC, Dr Muhammad Sanusi Ibrahim said the commission organized the training in order to acquaint the participants, particularly scavengers with the new development in waste to wealth scheme.
“Our is to enlighten and educate the youths for change of attitude towards waste generation from waste to wealth project through using the 4Rs which is, reducing waste, reusing waste and recycling waste so that the scavengers will work under a conducive and safe atmosphere.”
Ibrahim added that NEDC will employ strict supervision to ensure that the aims and objectives of the training is achieved.
“We shall monitor to see how the training is impacting on the environment through practice of modern way of waste management, generation and recycling.”
He also said that the NEDC is in partnership with the Bauchi state government to have a workable recycling plant in the state.
The Director General, Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency, Ibrahim Kabir said over 70 percent in the state are recyclable and the training will help the youths to put the waste to better use.
Lead Consultant, Ahmed Sabo said 50 youths had earlier been trained on environmental management and they will serve as trainers in the workshop.
