The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has concluded plans to construct one mega recycling center in each of the six north eastern states in its resolve to ensure better environment and create massive opportunities in the region.
Making the pronouncement at the flag off of a 5-day training on climate change organized by the NEDC in conjunction with Adamawa State government, Sufyan Mallum, a senior manager environment and natural resources with the commission noted that when constructed, each of the mega recycling centers will be able to process about 100 tons of waste everyday.
Mallum noted that the idea behind the recycling centers is to ensure the preservation of the environment which is vital to the success of any human endeavor and to use the opportunity to create wealth especially amongst youth and women in the six north eastern states.
He noted that no fewer than 415 women and youths in Adamawa will benefit from the ongoing training which is the second phase of training concurrently taking place in six centers across all the six north eastern states.
He said the training which is on six thematic areas will cover climate change adaptation awareness campaign including alternative energy and energy efficiency; training of youths on waste collection, enhanced scavenging, and recycling of waste plastic and training of women on the Use of energy efficient stove.
Others are training on the fabrication of energy efficient stove and briquette production, watershed management training for professionals, artisans and self-help groups and renewable energy training for youth empowerment programs.
Mallum added that the trainings are aimed at raising awareness by educating the participants and the public at large on the impacts of climate and the best practices on mitigation and adaptation strategies, building their capacities to implement effective climate change solutions and resilience and motiving participants to take tangible actions in their respective domains to address climate change.
Head of NEDC Yola office, Fatima Bakari said the aim of the programme is to protect the environment in the region through the capacity building of the participants to implement effective climate change solutions.
Also speaking, the commissioner of environment in Adamawa State, Mohammed Sadiq Mohammed noted that the Adamawa State government has adopted critical strategies to safeguard the environment because of its place in the lives of all living things.
The commissioner who was represented by Josiah Mapasa Jime, head of administration of the ministry thanked the NEDC for its commitment to environmental sustainability.
He noted that climate change is a serious issue that needs all hands on deck to manage, as its consequences are debilitating adding that in view of that the state has taken far reaching measures to restore the environment including banning felling of trees and charcoal manufacturing.
Jime noted that in the wake of the banning of trees felling and charcoal manufacturing, the state government has embarked on training of residents on sustainable alternatives including the production of briquettes which is a cheaper source of energy.
He reitrated the commitment of the state government to ensure strict compliance with the governor’s directive noting that a number of persons have been arrested for violating the order and will soon have their day in court.
