Government promises to partner FUTO on waste management

In order to preserve the environment from degradation, Imo State Government, has promised to partner with Federal University of Technology (FUTO) for proper management and recycling of waste materials.

This promise was made during a stakeholders’ workshop on sustainable waste management, organized by Waste Management and Environmental Hazard Alert System Research Group (WMEHASRG), Federal University of Technology, held at Harvesters’ Hotel, Owerri, Thursday..

The Commissioner for Environment, Ikechukwu Njoku, said the shared prosperity government is passionate about enhancing clean environment, reason it decided to collaborate with FUTO to recycle waste materials with a view to boosting the economy.

According to Njoku, “FUTO is number one in waste management, technology and practical studies and we need to preserve the environment which is nature, so that we continue to live safely and comfortably”
Njoku promised that the state government will work in synergy with FUTO to make the environment conducive for all persons.

“We are basically going to enlighten people so that they will know the importance of managing the environment properly. The issue of flooding needs to be mitigated; hence government is intensifying efforts to this effect”.
Njoku, while stating that Governor Hope Uzodimma is environmentally friendly, commended FUTO for organizing the workshop which he described as germane and timely.

Commending the effort of Waste Management and Environmental Hazard Alert System Research Group led by Engr Prof Gloria Chukwudebe the Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof Francis Chukwuemeka Eze, said FUTO is known for academic excellence. The Vice Chancellor maintained that the university is focused on practical training and technological innovation.

“FUTO has been recycling waste materials and the advancement has generated employment to over 50 students of the university. We are seeking financial assistance from government to boost recycling of the waste management, including vehicles to encourage workers to clean the waste materials”, he concluded.

In their separate speeches, Commissioner for Social Welfare and Sanitation and SA, Imo State Waste Management Agency (ISWMA), Barr Kelechi Emmanuel Emeakaroha, reassured that government would partner with FUTO and other relevant bodies to properly manage waste products in order to control negative effects of climate change.

They added that global warming is a global threat and should be regarded as such, stressing that government is paying deep attention to waste management.

Engr Prof Bridget Kechinyere Oyoh and Engr Prof Gloria Chukwudebe, the Head of the Research and Development, FUTO, noted that “the university is re- strategizing to form collaborations with the public and private sectors for applied research and development, to meet the citizens’ needs. This is because only R and D done here can guarantee sustainable development”.

The professors frowned that waste is poorly manage in many major towns in the country, “contaminating the environment, causing flooding, spreading diseases and affecting economic activities negatively”.