By Vera Anyagafu

As part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s burgeoning waste management challenges, promote sustainable waste management practices and empower Nigerian youths, the United States, International Visitors Leadership Program Alumni Association (IVLPAA), introduced an innovative Waste to Wealth groundbreaking initiative that is designed to educate and empower young Nigerians.

The program, held at the American Corner, Ikeja, Lagos, featured a lineup of environmental management experts and a large crowd of enthusiastic young Nigerians eager to learn about the potential of recycling waste products into valuable resources.

In his opening remark, President, IVLPAA, Adedayo Oketola, who welcomed participants to the pivotal gathering that focused on transforming trash into wealth emphasised the importance of attendees adhering to the principles of sustainable waste management and puting their newfound knowledge into practice.

Dayo’s address underscored the potential for progressive recycling businesses to emerge from the event.

While also expressing gratitude to the US Consulate for their ongoing support, which has been instrumental in shaping a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth, the IVLPAA President was quick to add that the event marked a significant milestone in the IVLPAA’s efforts to promote eco-friendly practices and empower young Nigerians to become drivers of sustainable change.

“As the nation continues to grapple with waste management challenges, initiatives like these offer a beacon of hope for a more environmentally conscious future”, he added.

Delivering a compelling address that highlighted the prevailing challenges and emerging opportunities in waste management, Executive Secretary, Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), Arese Lucia Onaghise, exhorted participants to embrace recycling as a viable means of generating wealth, emphasizing its value in reducing waste accumulation and serving as a vital source of raw materials for manufacturing new products.

Arese call to action resonated deeply with the audience, comprising mostly of young Nigerians who are eager to make a positive impact on their environment.

Also speaking, President, Lagos Recycler Association (LAGRA), Dr. Femi Idowu Adegoke, spoke on the crucial role recycling plays in effective waste management.

He highlighted the government’s supportive stance through provision of machinery and encouragement, while commending state government efforts to establish necessary infrastructure, facilitating the waste-to-wealth process.

Dr. Femi emphasised that Nigerians must recognise the wealth-generating potential of items often discarded, urging for intensified awareness campaigns to educate the public on converting waste to wealth.   

He said by promoting recycling and waste management, Nigeria can unlock new economic opportunities while mitigating environmental challenges.

Additionally, the ‘Plastic Waste for School Fees Initiatives’, an offshoot of Taiwo Olowoyeye’s ‘Street to School Initiatives’, provides an innovative solution to support disadvantaged students, allowing them to exchange collected recyclable materials for school fees.

According to the Coordinator, Oreoluwa Obafemi, the program seeks to provide educational opportunities for students who cannot afford to pay their fees.

“By collecting and exchanging recyclable materials, students can earn their school fees, promoting a culture of sustainability and resourcefulness. We seek collaboration with relevant authorities to expand the program’s reach and impact. The initiative will initially focus on rural areas, where many underserved children lack access to education. With ‘Plastic Waste for School Fees Initiatives,’ we aim to inspire a new generation of students and promote a more sustainable future”, she said.

Renowned Environmental Sustainability Consultant, Mr. Taiwo Adewale, delivered a comprehensive presentation, using a slideshow to illustrate the recycling process and its benefits.

Taiwo led engaging and interactive sessions with participants, imparting valuable insights on the Waste to Wealth program.

The Environmentalist, equipped attendees with practical knowledge on identifying and selecting recyclable materials, and walked them through the recycling process, from start to finish.

While also using compelling examples, he demonstrated how discarded waste products can be transformed into functional items, such as furniture, inspiring participants to think creatively about waste management and provided practical tips and advice on how to implement recycling practices in their daily lives.

To support the participants in their waste management endeavors, the IVLPAA proved each attendee with a recycling bag and a weighing meter.

The Association encouraged the participants to put their newfound knowledge into practice and make a positive impact on their communities.

However, the Waste to Wealth program was a resounding success, inspiring a new generation of Nigerians to take action against waste and promote sustainability.

As one of the participants expressed, “I never knew that waste could be turned into wealth. This program has opened my eyes to the possibilities, and I am excited to start making a difference. And with the country’s rapid urbanization and population growth, effective waste management practices are crucial to maintaining public health, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. As the US IVLPAA continues to promote sustainable waste management practices through its Waste to Wealth program, it is clear that the organization is playing a vital role in shaping a more environmentally conscious and sustainable future for Nigeria.”