The Government of Germany, through the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre [ISC3], Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit [GIZ] GmbH Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 32+36 D53113, Bonn, Germany is partnering with the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) on the sustainable use and application of Plastic waste materials for construction purposes.
The project involves 4 tertiary institutions in Ondo State and is focusing on developing innovative and adaptive ideas for reducing plastic waste and enhancing campus sustainable practices.
This application will in no doubt bring about sustainability and effectiveness in the management of plastic wastes in Ondo State. It would also improve the overall environmental conditions of the State and empower the teeming youths for self- reliance.
The participating higher institutions include the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo and ELIZADE University, Ilara-mokin.
Speaking at the train-the-trainers workshop organized to create awareness on the new project, the Hon. State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Oyeniyi Oseni remarked that the GIZ/OSEPA collaboration is intended to build capacity for increase sustainability of chemistry, engineering and architecture curricula in the higher institutions in Ondo State.
Hon. Oseni said the concepts of the training would involve areas of discipline like Architecture, Chemistry and Engineering and that the partnership is to join forces and leverage synergies for the benefit of the waste management and construction sectors in Ondo State.
The Hon. Commissioner further hinted that the project would explore advisory and capacity development activities of mutual interest.
Speaking in similar vein, the Administrative Secretary (AS) of OSEPA, Princess Korede Giwa said the major focus areas of the partnership with the German organizations are sustainability and waste management in general which include chemistry and the sustainable use of plastics in construction.
The AS said the project was launched to empower Ondo State students to make tangible impacts on waste plastic reduction and address environmental and climate change issues.
Princess Korede Giwa mentioned that the Agency (OSEPA) has recorded modest achievements in the area of plastic pollution and management in the State which include: developing appropriate strategies for managing plastic wastes in the State, mopping up of plastic wastes from river channels, streams, canals, gutters and ensuring that our river courses are free from plastic wastes, establishment of Buy-Back Centres for plastic wastes collection in the State through partnership, attracting investors that are willing to build recycling plants in the State in order to achieve a circular economy, creating wealth through plastic waste management technology for employed youths etc.
The resource persons at the event were Mr Jens Krol, Mr Jens Tegethoff and Mr Ahmed Tiamiyu respectively all of which are seasoned Environmentalists
