The Federal Government (FG) has said the newly inaugurated National Waste-to-Wealth programme would be implemented using appropriate technologies and environmentally-friendly techniques.
Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu made this known during the inauguration of the programme in the North Central Zone in Benue.
“It is imperative that waste-to-wealth management sector be rehabilitated and equipped with technology-driven concepts with techniques that are environmentally safe to help explore and extract opportunities hidden within waste.
“Benue is endowed with rich natural, agricultural resources and diverse cultural heritage.
“This makes it a prime location for the establishment of waste management pilot plant model that will serve as an example to other states within the zone,” said the Minister.
Represented by Mrs. Henrietta Okokon, the Assistant Chief Information Officer in the ministry, Dr. Onu said the pilot plant when installed would ensure wastes are converted to valuable economic goods and services, adding that it would also help stimulate national consciousness to the importance of science and technology.
He further stated that technology was as an important instrument for national rebirth, sustainable development and enduring prosperity.
In her part, Mrs. Belema Wakama, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said the Waste-to-Wealth programme was targeted at achieving a sustainable end-to-end solution for national integrated waste management system in the country.
“This is by using appropriate technologies through a well-coordinated national plan, orientation and strategy.
“The establishment of the pilot plant model in the state will lead to the realisation of objectives of economic stimulation in terms of employment generation, improved lives and breed cleaner environment,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom promised full support for the Waste-to-Wealth scheme.
Gov. Ortom said the state had made available a dumpsite of about four hectares of land for the pilot project with the hope that when the project commenced fully, the quantum waste that littered around major towns in the state would be completely eradicated.
The governor said that the waste at the dumpsite when evacuated and fed into the machines would be converted to valuable materials that would be marketed to create wealth for the citizenry.
The National Waste-to-Wealth programme was first commissioned by the minister at the Idundu Industrial Layout, Calabar for the South South Zone.
The programme is expected to be replicated in all the six geopolitical zones of the country.