As part of efforts to promote responsible waste management practices in Niger State, RippleAfrica Trust Foundation, alongside other CSOs and government MDAs, gathered at Haske Hotel, Minna, to discuss various ways to nip poor waste management practices in the bud. The main objective of this dialogue was to explore the ways the indigenes of Niger state can be properly sensitized not just about the dangers of poorly dumping waste, which could cause illnesses, and block drainages but also about the wealth that can be created from converting this waste to reusable products thereby creating employment, and this brought out the second agenda for the dialogue which was women’s economic empowerment.
The dialogue further emphasized women’s economic empowerment, which is a core objective of the Waste to Wealth Project. Stakeholders discussed ways that women can be helped in acquiring income-generating skills while speaking on the importance of the state government’s participation in making this happen, because NGOs alone cannot take up all the responsibility, but can partner with the state government to teach the women various skills that can generate income for them.
At the end of this dialogue, the representative of the state government assured RippleAfrica Trust Foundation and other guests present about its commitment to ensuring that key recommendations from the discussions are reflected in future legislation. The women affairs representative also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives geared towards empowering women with skills to gain financial independence and applauded RippleAfrica Trust Foundation for its dedication to improving the lives of women across the state.
To further enrich the event, some of the beneficiaries of the project who were in attendance showcased the products they had made from recycling nylon bags and sachet water while also demonstrating their process of production. Their presentation provided evidence of the project’s impact and reinforced the message that waste can be transformed into valuable resources. The demonstration also highlighted RippleAfrica Trust Foundation’s commitment to a cleaner and safer environment for all.
