World Environment Day: Nasarawa Govt moves to tackle plastic pollution
From Esther Akaa, Lafia
The Nasarawa State government has set up a taskforce geared towards tackling the menace of plastic pollution in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment, Mr Yusuf Madiko-Kadon, disclosed this on Monday when a coalition of Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) staged a rally to the ministry in Lafia, in commemoration of the 2023 World Environment Day.
Yusuf Madiko-Kadon said the taskforce would go round the state to enlighten the people on how to handle plastic waste with a view to effectively recycle them in order to preserve the environment.
The permanent secretary said the state was collaborating with private sector firms to recycle plastic waste.
“We have a plastic collection site at Ungwan Rere in Lafia where the recycling firms can source for production,” he said.
He, therefore said that the plastic waste recycling would done under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Earlier, Executive Director, Beacon Youth Initiative (BYI), Mr Envo Emmanuel-Okolo
who led the rally, said the theme of the 2023 WED “Solution to Plastic Pollution,” highlighted the need to accelerate solution in addressing the global impact in the world through sustainable action.
He noted that Nigeria is experiencing adverse climate condition, adding that women, girls and people with disabilities were disproportionately exposed to to environmental hazards and increased environmental health risks.
“Today, BYI has organised this walk to create awareness and highlight the needs of women, young people and people with disabilities.
“We are giving a voice to these groups to demand effective and sustainable actions from relevant authorities.
“We use the occasion of the 2023 WED to encourage the use of sustainable alternative and to put pressure on the authorities for strict enforcement of the law to mitigate impacts of plastic pollution in Nasarawa State.
“Each one of us can make a difference. Every gesture counts. Let’s say no to plastic bags and adopt an environmentally friendly way of life, ” Emmanuel-Okolo said.
He, however, commended the development of a National Action Plan on Gender and Climate Change for Nigeria as well as the domestication of the drafted Nasarawa State Climate Change Policy.
