ANAMBRA ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY, WASTE RECYCLERS PARTNER TO BOOST RECYCLING, CIRCULAR ECONOMY
By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Ministry of Environment has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Anambra State Waste Recyclers Multipurpose Cooperative Society (ASWARCOOP) to promote sustainable waste management, strengthen the circular economy and advance environmental sustainability.
The commitment was made on July 21 when the leadership of ASWARCOOP, led by its President, Pastor Ben Agape, paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, to present the society’s operational framework and explore areas of strategic collaboration.
Presenting the framework, Agape said the society had developed a comprehensive model that brings together citizens, communities, recyclers, entrepreneurs, government institutions and private sector stakeholders to promote responsible waste management.
He said the initiative focuses on resource recovery, recycling, environmental education, job creation, community mobilisation and the development of environmental champions to drive sustainable practices at the grassroots.
Responding, Aguiyi described ASWARCOOP and other environmental organisations as critical partners in achieving the state government’s environmental sustainability goals.
He commended the society for establishing a structured cooperative dedicated to practical environmental solutions and pledged the ministry’s support for initiatives that promote recycling and responsible waste management.
The commissioner also invited the cooperative to collaborate on the ministry’s proposed Model School Waste Collection and Recycling Initiative, a pilot programme to be introduced in three public schools across the state’s three senatorial districts.
According to him, the initiative is designed to instil environmental consciousness in students through waste sorting, recycling education and responsible waste management practices.
Aguiyi said waste should be seen as an economic resource rather than a burden, noting that effective recycling could create jobs, stimulate entrepreneurship and drive the circular economy.
He called for sustained public awareness campaigns, capacity building for waste collectors and recyclers, and stronger private sector participation in environmental management.
The commissioner said the proposed partnership aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Solution Agenda on Environment and Urban Regeneration, which seeks to build a clean, green, resilient and environmentally sustainable Anambra through innovation, education, community participation and responsible environmental stewardship.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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