The North-East Development Commission (NEDC), says it has begun a five-day training of 100 youths on waste recycling and enterprising skills in Bauchi State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training is being conducted in collaboration between the commission and the Bauchi state government through the Ministry of Environment.
NEDC’s Training Adviser, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, stated this at the inauguration of the training exercise on Monday in Bauchi.
He said the exercise designed to build the enterprising skills, empower youths and enhance waste management in the state.
This, he said, would exposed the trainees to the basic techniques of waste recycling to create wealth.
He said the trainees were expected at the end of the exercise to engage in productive activities to improve their living condition and boost the economy of the state.
Also, Mr Ahmed Sabo, the Lead Consultant of the programme, said the participants were drawn from the environmentalists and youth who engaged in sanitation services.
“We have 50 trainers, these are people who have some high level of training on environmental management. So, we picked them to serve as trainers.
“The trainees are selected among waste collectors with support of the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA).
“We have 100 waste collectors and 50 trainers, making a total of 150 participants in the exercise,” he said.
The Director-General of the BASEPA, Mr Ibrahim Kabir, lauded the gesture, adding that about 79 per cent of the solid waste collected in the state could be recycle to produce useful products.
He reiterated government commitment to encourage recycling and effective waste management in the state.
The BASEPA boss expressed readiness of the government to partner with the Commission and stakeholders to address waste and other environmental challenges in the state. (NAN)
