A SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE HON. COMMISSIONER, KWARA STATE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT TODAY 21ST FEBRUARY, 2024 AT THE LAUNCH EVENT OF ECO-SCHOOL PROJECT TAKEN PLACE IN GOVERNMENT HIGH SCHOOL, ADETA ILORIN, KWARA STATE

Protocol

I am highly delighted to be among you as participant in today's launch event of Eco-School Project, aimed at promoting Environmental awareness and sustainability among Students and the entire Kwara populace. The topie "Waste to Wealth" is indeed a very captivating and interesting one, which seeks to educate everyone, particularly the students and general public.

Overview

Waste to Wealth; is the practice of collecting, treating and management of both Solid and liquid waste prior to the disposal, this practice has become a necessity in developing our mnodern societies, Over the years, it is known that most wastes that are disposed have a second-hand value. They can be recycled and reused, thereby reducing the pressure and negative impact on health and environment thereby reducing consumption of new materials, these assists in generating employment opportunities, wealth creation and economic prosperity for our people.

However, the construction cost for conventional Material Recovery Facility(s) MRES has been a major barrier for the implementation of conventional technology to recover wastes by local authorities in Africa, particularly in Nigeria.

In addition, these technologies require considerable technical expertise, which is often not available in developing nations to successfully operate the Material Recovery Facility(s)

Also, in Nigeria, there are no sewage trestment plants hence, liquid wastes are disposed in an indiscriminate manner Sullage gets into drains and flows into improved toilets, pit toilets or septic tanks in some anes like markets and other public places, excreta are mixed up with solid wwaste, thus creating uisance in the recycling facilities. People litter the roads with the civic concern.

Distinguished participants, our markets today generate a variety of wastes, the household wastes also contain other materals such as paper, glass, metal, plastic and other nonbiodegradable materials, However, some of them are excelent raw materials for various industries in the country which are primary source of raw materials harnessed through waste to weath intiatives.

There is increase in involvementr of civil society Organization's in the execution of waste management projects in Nigeria in the recent time. reviews of current waaste management is urgently required at all levels.

Waste to wealth initiative is yet to attain its potentials due to low investment in the sector and lack of prioritization of the sector by various players but events like this is an opportunity to further create awareness among the various stakeholders.

Student and development partners to faster colaborative efforts and discuss the potentials inherent in the field, which will strengthen the coordination and provide enabling environment for the existing partners to thrive.

Conclusively. I like to congratulate the Harmony Recyclers Hub for this wonderful event, while I hope that the programme shall be impactful and becomes a success turn-around in the sector for the benefit of all actors, Kwara State Government and humanity at large.

Thanks for listening.