In commemoration of World Environment Day and as part of their community development service (CDS), Praise Onahinyohe Akobo and Ifeanyi Martins Emmanuel, corps members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), have spearheaded the launch of a three-month project on the environment.
Akobo, the president of her CDS group, said that observing the growing challenge of plastic pollution and poor waste management in parts of Abuja, especially in communities, compelled her to address environmental issues through education and practical action.
She said Waste2Worth was developed to raise awareness, meaningfully engage students, and implement sustainable solutions that could impact the community.
According to her, the three-month project involves engaging students and fellow corps members in awareness sessions to help them understand the 5 R’s of waste management, climate action, and environmental sustainability.
She said corps members are encouraged to implement community development projects by identifying pressing needs and co-creating solutions.
Others include: Play, Learn & Act Now (PLAN) game, hands-on gathering of plastic bottles and filling them with sand to form eco-bricks, replacing cement blocks.
The launch also comprised a Climate Quiz Competition with prize money for the 1st & 2nd winners.
Akobo noted that while Nigeria has demonstrated commitment at the national level through policies like the Climate Change Act and participation in international climate agreements, there is still a considerable grassroots implementation gap.
“Many communities still suffer from poor waste management, low awareness of environmental practices, and minimal infrastructure for recycling or composting,” she said.
She said Project Waste2Worth highlights the importance of taking climate action at the local level and simplifying complex terms for students and community members.
Speaking at the project’s launch, the zonal inspector, represented by the local government inspector, Rukkayat Abu, commended the CDS group for being an example and ensuring that they support their community, improve the lives of students, curb waste, and transform it into a useful product.
She admonished the CDS group to continue with such projects that make their service year worthwhile.
Meanwhile, Akobo said a system has been put in place to ensure the sustainability and continuity of more projects, such as tree planting, which will be championed by the new set of leaders.
