Osun Government Launches Waste-to-Wealth Training, Parades Imole Rechargeable Bikes
In a bid to deepen climate action awareness and equip residents with practical skills to turn waste into a source of income, the Osun State Government on Wednesday trained over 300 residents in its first-ever circular economy and waste-to-wealth programme.
The training, which coincided with the first anniversary of the Imole Recycling Hub, was held in Osogbo.
The event was held alongside the public display of Imole Okada, the state’s new electric bike initiative targeted at promoting eco-friendly transportation and creating economic opportunities for youths and women.
Consultant to the state government on climate change and renewable energy, Prof. Chinwe Obuaku explained that the programme is designed to help residents “see waste in a different light,” from empty water bottles at parties to discarded materials in homes.
She noted that the eco-friendly motorcycles are “designed for transportation and will be given out only to members of registered cooperatives, with a requirement to pay 50 percent of the cost upfront before collection.”
She also stated that the initiative is part of the state government’s broader climate action strategy, which also includes education and stakeholder engagement.
She stressed, “Youths and women, who are most vulnerable to climate change impacts, will be key beneficiaries.”
General Manager of the Osun Waste Management Agency said, “Waste only becomes useless when it is not put to use.
He explained that “organic waste can be transformed into manure, while recyclable materials such as plastics and bottles can be sold to recycling hubs for income.”
He added that proper waste sorting at the household level will significantly cut down the volume of refuse, ending up in landfills.
Community members have welcomed the program, with representatives of NASFAT describing it as “a transformation that will enable people to earn income from waste collection.
Another participant, Farida Igbayilola, noted, “Community engagement and collaboration are key to ensuring the success of recycling and circular economy initiatives.”
The waste-to-wealth program and the Imole Okada scheme are part of Osun State’s long-term sustainability plan, combining environmental protection with economic empowerment to show that with the right mindset, nothing truly goes to waste.
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