…First prize to go home with 1million naira
The Anambra State Government under the ministry of environment in conjunction with Anambra State Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA) says they are targeted to achieving one hundred thousand plastics in the one hundred and seventy nine communities across the state
Speaking at the flag-off which took place at the Jerome Udeoji Secretariat, Awka, on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Governor Soludo, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim, maintained that there is need to sustain our environment so as to become sustainable, liveable and prosperous for Ndi Anambra.
“I charge you to see how we can together, walk to fight this menace. Most importantly let’s imbibe the culture of keeping the environment clean and conserving them by picking plastics and dispose them at appropriate place instead of littering them around. I thank the Commissioner and the environment team for this initiatives. With these programs we will be able to save our environment that we are living in.
He however, emphasized that the programme aims to tackle plastic pollution in the state while commending the laudable initiative, noted that its dual purpose is aimed at addressing a common environmental issue and promoting unity among the people of Anambra.
Commissioner for Environment, Engr Dr Felix Odimegwu in his address said “the plastic waste recovery challenge 2.0 is more than just a campaign; it is a movement, a call for action for every Anambra citizen to take responsibility for our environment. It is a challenge to each of us to reduce, reuse and recycle. It is an opportunity to educate ourselves and others about for about the importance of sustainable practices and impact of plastic pollution”.
This year, we have set am ambitious target to recover 100,000 tonnes of plastic waste. We believe that with your continued support and dedication, we can achieve and and even surpass this goal.
“We have set prizes to recognise best communities; first prize one million naira, second prize five hundred thousand naira and third price two hundred and fifty thousand naira only. The exercise is arrested to cover one hundred and seventy nine communities, structured into urban, semi-rural and rural areas. Additionally the initiative is set to create job in the industries and environment sectors, fostering economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability”
Contributing, Professor Phil Eze, Managing Director of the Anambra State Erosion Watershed and Climate Change Agency, stated that plastic pollution is a major contributor to soil erosion in Anambra State. He called on the federal government to pay serious attention to addressing this issue is an urgent necessity.
Meanwhile, the event was attended by several Government Officials, Community Leaders, Secondary Schools (St Lucy Awka secondary school), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), including the Green Environment and Climate Change Initiative (GECCI) and Green Environment for Humanitarian Aid and Development (GreenIHAD), and Cleaners Neighbourhood Initiative (CNI).
