Waste Managers Seek Partnership on Waste Recycling
… Say Waste can be turned into wealth
The Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON), Lagos Council has sought partnerships with stakeholders in the waste management sector to ensure wastes are recycled for wealth creation.
This, the Lagos state council Councilor, Comrade Gbolahan Yusuf said would enable all persons involved be able to collectively transform the wastes into wealth once recycled.
The association appreciates the Lagos state government and the federal government for their support in working towards turning waste into wealth in the country as it calls for more collaboration and engagement from stakeholders in the sector.
Comrade Yusuf said though the government at state and federal levels are trying in waste to wealth initiative more still needs to be done to ensure the waste sector gets more support.
He said; “we are working with the government on waste management, they are trying, but, we still need government support for grants to help increase awareness of the importance of waste management.
“Waste to wealth is challenging because there is not enough awareness in the country, it costs more to use waste to produce things useful to man and invariably leads to wealth, but if there is support from the government and all stakeholders come together to work as partners in this sector, we will achieve faster growth.”
In an attempt to ensure awareness reaches every nook and cranny of the state on the importance of waste management and waste to wealth, Comrade Yusuf said a summit tagged Eko Waste Summit will be organised.
The summit, Yusuf said would also allow for networking and sensitisation on waste management to ensure a cleaner environment.
“We will organise Eko Waste Summitt to educate Nigerians on the importance of waste management in the country,” he said.
Also speaking at the press briefing was the National Treasurer of the association, Mrs. Omotunde Adeola said all hands must be on deck to achieve waste to wealth in waste recycling.
She said; “we are seeking the support of the press to help increase awareness to help Nigeria transit the waste to wealth economy.”
She also called for more stakeholders to join the WAMASON in its drive to bring awareness to Nigerians on the importance of waste management and waste to wealth.
She said; “being a member of WAMASON allows you to network, we are members of International Waste Association, we have access to market, and we have links to the government.
“We are looking at how to empower the waste pickers on the streets to ensure their safety and coordination in the waste sector. We will train them on the importance of the job. We are working on how government can support them instead of outlawing them, we can kit them and ensure they become more professional in the picking exercise.”
“We need a lot of behavioral motivations, and enforcement of laws to ensure a cleaner environment. We also need to motivate and reward people who keep their plastic bottles. There is a cash gift for keeping the waste and dumping them at the right places provided by government.
