FG, Cross River govt commence waste-to-wealth programme to improve livelihood

THE Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Cross River State government have flagged off a natural waste to wealth programme, using appropriate technologies, with a view to creating employment, wealth and change the livelihood of the citizens.

The programme, which was inaugurated by the Minister, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu at Idundu industrial Layout in Calabar, at the weekend, where the dumpsite was domiciled, would help Nigeria restore her pride as Africa’s most populous nation, whereby the place of science and technology innovation would be strengthened in the search for a new beginning, to boost the economy, lead the nation from a resource based to a knowledge and innovation driven economy.

In a press statement issued and signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Taye Akinyemi, a copy of which was made available to Tribune Online in Abuja, on Sunday, Dr Onu said the programme would also enable Nigerians to convert waste to valuable goods and services that would help create wealth, more jobs, reduce poverty, defeat hunger and help stimulate national consciousness in the power of science and technology as an important instrument for national rebirth.

The minister then assured Nigerians that the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government of President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to do all that was necessary in the best interest of the nation to accelerate the pace of national development acquired on the effective deployment of science technology and innovation.

In his remarks, the Governor of Cross River State, Professor Benedict Ayade, represented by his deputy, Professor Ivara Esu, expressed his excitement that the ministry was bringing such laudable project to Calabar, as a pilot state in which the waste to wealth programme has been launched.

He acknowledged that the programme was desirable and would also serve in producing products such as biogas, organic waste and feeds for aquatic culture in Calabar.

He then appealed to the Minister to beef up the budget for the waste- to wealth- programme for proper implementation.

In a related development, the minister, while inaugurating NOTAP/PZ upgraded Chemistry laboratory at the University of Calabar, commended the efforts of PZ cussons Nigeria Limited in partnering with his ministry in upgrading the Chemistry laboratory.

He further stated that the partnership was being strengthened for the purpose of cementing the link between research findings and industries in the country.

The minister therefore affirmed his commitment and resolves to work hard to bridge technology gaps and strengthen the role which science and technology should play in searching for a sustainable and diversified economy.