By Audu Abba Kurama, Maiduguri.
The Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) has launched a multi-pronged initiative aimed at tackling the region’s mounting waste problem while simultaneously stimulating the local economy.
The program focuses on training individuals in sustainable waste management practices and providing them with the tools and skills to create marketable products from recycled materials.
“We are actively engaging local people to contribute to this initiative,” stated Mohammed Goni, MD of the NEDC. “Additionally, we have implemented integration efforts to utilize local talent for operating the machinery involved. This local involvement is beneficial for everyone connected to the project.”
The NEDC recently distributed starter kits comprising briquettes making machine, as well as local stove making tools to 20 newly trained individuals equipped to produce charcoal and aluminum stoves using locally sourced and recycled materials. This initiative is part of a broader NEDC effort to promote local industry and self-sufficiency within the region.
The Commission has also implemented extensive training programs. Nearly 300 individuals have received training in waste management, with an additional 60 participants specializing in renewable energy and recycling system installation. Dr. Zainab Chellube, the project coordinator in Borno state, highlighted the urgency of the situation.
The training programs aim to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. “Our goal is to equip those in the waste management business by linking practical and theoretical approaches, enabling them to operate in a controlled manner while generating sustainable income,” Chellube said. The curriculum emphasizes best practices and safer handling procedures for waste materials.
The NEDC has committed to ongoing support and monitoring of the project.
“We are committed to monitoring progress closely,” Goni affirmed. “Our department will oversee the project regularly, and we plan to engage with local stakeholders for at least one year.”
The distribution of these machines marks a crucial milestone in the NEDC’s ongoing efforts to empower youth and foster sustainable energy solutions in the North East. By investing in practical skills and green technology, the commission is not only addressing unemployment but also contributing to long-term energy security and environmental conservation.
The beneficiaries of this initiative recently underwent comprehensive training in briquette production, courtesy of the NEDC. With the provision of these machines, they now have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, potentially turning their skills into sustainable livelihoods.