Clara Omuluzua Madubike | I-Witness News
The Commissioner for Environment in Anambra State and President of the Anambra State Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA), Pastor Ben Agape have engaged youth leaders under the aegis of Anambra State Association of Town Union Youth Leaders (ASATU) drawn from the twenty one (21) local government councils in the state as they kickstart the All Anambra Communities Plastic Waste recovery Challenge 2.0.
Speaking during the meeting, the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr Felix Odimegwu reiterated the aim of the plastic waste recovery challenge which is to rid the state of plastic wastes while empowering youths and women in the plastic waste recycling value chain. He therefore called for youth involvement in the waste to wealth initiative.
Dr Odimegwu explained the role of USAID, Coca-Cola Foundation and Technoserve in the whole scheme, and stated that the recyclers, waste collectors and aggregators will benefit hugely in the plastic solution activity.
The commissioner stated that the quest for a plastic-free Anambra which Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo clamours for is for the betterment of all, and “with the project we will continue to build the clean, green, healthy, liveable and sustainable Anambra we all yearn for”, he said.
Contributing, The ASWRA convener, Pst Ben Agape outlined the role of the youth mayors in the plastic waste challenge which includes: dissemination of information, advocacy and awareness down to their various communities, sourcing of drop points for ASWRA, liaising between Aswra and the collectors, compiling names of persons that are interested in the recycling business for long term recognition by the partners which will surely help boost their business individually.
Responding, the President-General of Asatu Youth. Hon. Ken Okoli eulogised the Commissioner for his efforts in upholding environmental sustainability in the state. He urged the mayors to take the message of plastic waste recovery down to the churches, markets and urged them to hold meetings with community leaders/village chairmen in the 179 communities in the state.
Environment Ministry Perm. Sec, Mr Tochukwu Obodogha, Dir. Environmental Health. Pol. Control department Mrs Oluchi Nwankwu, 21 youth mayors and 21 Aswra co-ordinators in the 21 local government Areas in Anambra state attended the meeting.
