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FG, Japan, Others Unveil Study To End Plastic Waste Pollution
The Federal Government, in alliance with the Government of Japan and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), yesterday, unveiled a study that will solve the problem of plastic waste pollution in Nigeria by providing innovative packaging and recycling technologies and alternative materials to plastics.
The research project titled, “Nigeria’s Study on Available Technologies that Meet the Need in Africa to Reduce Plastic Leakages to the Environment” was executed by the UNIDO and funded by Japan.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, said the new study was part of government’s numerous actions to address the challenges of plastic wastes in the country in a holistic and sustainable manner by delivering alternatives to drive investment and sustainable development.
“Plastic pollution has become one of the gravest environmental problems confronting the global community with impact transcending national, regional and international boundaries.
“Nigeria, with a population of about 200million people generates about 1.5million tons of plastic waste every year of which less than 10 percent is recycled. The problem of plastics pollution in the country is exacerbated by inadequate waste management infrastructure, poor behavioural attitude, unskilled waste collection workforce, indeterminate dumping and burning of plastics wastes, poor awareness, inadequate funding etc.
“It is against this background that we welcome this particular study on available sustainable alternative materials to plastics” Abubakar disclosed.
The minister recalled that the Project Steering Committee, which comprised various MDAs, States Environmental Agencies, Developmental partners, the Academia and NGOs was inaugurated in February, 2020.
He commended that despite the pandemic, the committee was able to deliver successfully on time.
Also speaking, Japan Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, reiterated the country’s commitment to assisting and supporting Nigeria and other African countries in tackling the issue of plastic waste pollution and management.
He said plastic waste pollution was a global problem and it was comforting to see the Nigerian government and other stakeholders taking actions to end the menace.
In his remarks, the UNIDO Country Representative and Regional Director for West Africa, Mr Jean Bakole said, “UNIDO-Japan multi-stakeholder Cooperation Dialogue is held twice in a year. The 2019 Japan Presidency for G20 Osaka Summit prioritized the global marine litter challenge and aims to implement concerted action.
At the G20 Osaka Summit Held in 2019.
“Osaka Blue Ocean Vision” to reduce additional pollution by marine plastic litre to zero by 2050 was shared. It was then announced at the summit that Japan will support developing countries’ efforts including their capacity building and infrastructure development in the area of waste management including plastic waste.”
According to Bankole, the study which was conducted in Lagos and Abuja would open up a lot of opportunities in legal and regulatory frameworks, technologically, administratively and financially.
He added that the research would promote a circular economy from plastics to the Nigerian economy.
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
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