…unveils winners of plastic sustainability project awards in Abuja

By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

Over 1,200 women, youths, and persons with disabilities from rural communities across Nigeria have been trained to repurpose plastic waste into useful products, as part of a project aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.

This was disclosed at the Empower Communities for Plastic Sustainability (ECPS) Community Pitching Contest and Award Event, themed ‘Empowering Rural Communities for a Green Economy: Plastic Solutions at the Intersection of Sustainability and Livelihoods.’ organised by Young Advocates for Sustainable and Inclusive Future (YASIF Nigeria) in collaboration with the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), held on Wednesday in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Director, Solid Waste Management and Technology Division, Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Falmata Bukar, represented by Assistant Chief Chemical Engineer, Kalu Lawrence Okechukwu, highlighted the urgency of addressing plastic pollution.

She said, Plastic pollution has generated global concerns due to its adverse impacts on biodiversity and marine life. In an effort to reduce the consumption and production of this material, the combined efforts of government, companies, and individuals are required, being a key enablers of change.

Bukar explained that environmental groups and civil society organisations in Nigeria aim to create eco-conscious communities by engaging youths and all members of society to develop sustainable solutions to climate change impacts, affecting both human health and the environment.

Bukar praised the community empowerment initiative by YASIF Nigeria as a commendable approach in tackling both poverty and plastic pollution.

According to her, through this program, communities are equipped with valuable skills that create economic opportunities and foster environmental responsibility.”

She said, “One of such approach is the upcycling of Plastic waste, transforming discarded plastic into more valuable, durable products. This not only reduces waste but also enhances product utility and promotes environmental stewardship.”

“Thousands of marine animals worldwide have been affected by plastic pollution, including sea turtles, seabirds, and other marine creatures. Therefore, upcycling of plastic waste is not merely a creative solution but a vital mitigating measure for environmental protection.”

Speaking on education as a tool to combat plastic pollution, Bukar said, “Globally, education for sustainable development has proven to be a tool to beat plastic pollution and has been recognized to have an influence in fostering lasting behavioral change towards more sustainable practices, as it empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills to make environmentally conscious decisions, therefore, becoming the key instrument to reduce plastic pollution.”

She assured continued partnership between the Ministry of Environment and YASIF Nigeria, stating, “The Ministry will strengthen its collaboration with YASIF Nigeria through necessary programs to expand education for sustainable development and inspire communities to adopt practices that reduce plastic pollution through a participatory and inclusive approach.”

In her remarks, Programmes and Training Manager of YASIF Nigeria, Lauretta Jimba, said, The ECPS Project, launched by YASIF Nigeria with support from the Global Plastic Action Partnership, built a movement for plastic sustainability through grassroots innovation.

She noted that the project had empowered over 1,200 women, youths, and persons with disabilities with digital, business, and hands-on recycling skills in Kano, Cross River, and Niger States.

According to Jimba, “Participants learn to creatively repurpose plastic and non-biodegradable waste such as old tires, water sachets, PET bottles, and nylons into useful items for homes, schools, recreation centres, and workplaces. These include side stools, shoes, storage boxes, centre tables, feeding trays, sitting slabs etc.”

She added that participants had developed community-led sustainability projects, which were showcased at the pitching contest event in Abuja.

Founder and Global Lead of Women Environmental Programme (WEP), Priscilla Achakpa, shared her personal experience in recycling initiatives across Africa, inspiring the crowd about the importance of cooperation and training in environmental health.

Also speaking, National Coordinator of the UNDP Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (GEF SGP), Ibironke Olubamise, urged the government to incorporate informal waste sectors, especially women and youth, to create more opportunities in plastic waste management.

The winners of the pitching contest of thr ECPS community sustainability projects includes; The first prize of ₦3 million was awarded to Esuk Otu Community in Cross River State; second prize of ₦1.5 million went to Sharifai Kano Municipal in Kano State; and third prize of ₦750,000 was given to AKUM Shango Community in Niger State.

The project was implemented across three communities in each of the states, with state coordinators overseeing the activities.

Through this initiative, YASIF Nigeria continues to empower rural communities with skills and knowledge to turn plastic waste into economic opportunities, promoting a greener, cleaner Nigeria.