The Anambra State Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA) has hosted its 2024 summit, aimed at uniting recyclers to address challenges, share ideas, and enhance the sector’s contribution to the state’s economy.
The summit, held in Obosi, was themed *”Waste to Wealth”* and brought together key stakeholders, including the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, the Director of Environmental Health Services, Awka, Mrs. Valeria Ibe, and the Chairman of United Petrochemical and Plastic Crushers, Mr. Onyekachukwu Nwafor.
Representing the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Tochukwu Obodogha, emphasized the critical role of recycling in reducing environmental degradation, fostering innovation, and creating economic opportunities. He highlighted it as a path toward a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous society.
Igwe Chidubem stressed recycling’s importance in preserving the nation’s mineral resources, fostering environmental health, and generating employment. He also urged citizens to refrain from theft under the guise of scrap collection.
ASWRA Coordinator, Pastor Ben-Agape Obuesi, described the summit as an opportunity to showcase the transformative potential of recycling. He called on all scrap collectors in the state to register with ASWRA, stressing the need for organization and regulation to ensure environmental sustainability and wealth creation.
The event provided a platform for stakeholders to network and strategize on advancing Anambra’s recycling sector as a major economic driver.
