ACTING director, Centre for Waste Management and Sustainable Resources (CWMRS), Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State, Dr Akinyemi Ogunkeyede, has called for collaboration of government and individuals towards reducing plastic waste and enforcement of waste management policies.
He noted that waste is not just waste but an untapped resource which if harnessed positively can create cleaner and more sustainable future for Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists about Zero Waste Campus Project, Dr Ogunkeyede said the project was one of his flagship initiatives at FUPRE, aimed at eliminating plastic pollution and embedding sustainability culture.
According to him, the project, which was launched on September 10, 2024, in partnership with CODAF, set precedent for Nigerian universities to adopt sustainable waste management.
He said, “Through recycling, waste reduction, and eco-friendly alternatives, we are transforming FUPRE into Nigeria’s first zero-waste university.”
He noted that the response of staff and students of the institution towards the project had been overwhelmingly positive, adding that students are leading the change by reducing single-use plastics and participating in recycling programmes.
“The university management, particularly our vice chancellor, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, has been supportive, reinforcing the vision of a cleaner, greener FUPRE.”
Highlighting his role in ‘Keep Warri Clean Initiative’, Ogunkeyede said the initiative, launched by Warri South Local Government, was a visionary programme that focused on sustainable waste disposal and treatment.
He said, “I was invited to deliver a paper on waste treatment and disposal strategies, where I introduced innovative solutions such as bioremediation, plastic composite bricks, and bioplastics from water hyacinth.
“What stood out was the commitment from Warri South Local Government officials, who humorously declared, “You are hereby arrested!” in their enthusiasm to secure my expertise for their waste management system.
“This project presents an opportunity to commercialise sustainable waste solutions, making Warri a cleaner, more livable city.”
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