Writing By Daniel Karlmax; Editing By Godwin Duru
Environmental experts have called for increased public education and awareness to end the harmful practice of open waste burning, citing its severe health and environmental consequences, which further worsen the effects of climate change in Nigeria.
They noted that, with the right innovation and investment, waste can be transformed into useful products, while proper management would significantly reduce its negative environmental impact.
These were the key resolutions at the one-day monthly Climate Hangout organized by the Desk of Climate Change and Environment at the Interfaith Mediation Centre IMC, Kaduna, in partnership with the African Climate Reporters ACR and the Office of the Kaduna State Governor on Climate Change.
The event themed: “Rethinking Waste: Innovative Recycling Solutions for a Greener Kaduna.” attracted scientists, academics, religious leaders, environmental journalists, youths, civil society groups, and non-governmental organizations.
Participants emphasized the need for stronger collaboration and innovative strategies to address waste management challenges and protect the environment from pollution that threatens both human and ecological health.
Speaking on the theme of the event, the Controller-General of Safety Awareness and Environmental Support Initiatives SAESI, Mr. Yahaya Muhammad, stressed the importance of strengthening the capacity of recycling companies to manage the increasing volume of waste contributing to environmental degradation.
He highlighted the critical role of public education in ending harmful practices such as open waste burning, which poses serious health and environmental risks.
The environmental expert warned against the widespread practice of setting fire to dump sites located near residential areas and noted that proper waste management could generate income.
Also speaking, the President of the Association of Horticulture Farmers Unity and Development, Kaduna State, Comrade Bala Umar, disclosed that the association plants about 50 million seedlings annually using discarded sachets of drinking water collected from the streets as nursery materials.
He explained that, horticulture farmers are playing a frontline role in converting community waste into productive use, thereby preventing pollution and reducing flood risks.
Comrade Umar urged residents to stop indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste on streets and public spaces and to support efforts aimed at maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment for sustainable development.
In a panel discussion, a lecturer at Kaduna Polytechnic, Malama Halima Haruna of the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, College of Engineering, emphasized the need for continuous public sensitization on the dangers of improper waste disposal.
In his remarks, the Co-Director of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, Mr. Samson Auta, described the Kaduna Monthly Climate Hangout as a vital platform that brings together scientists, environmental journalists, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups committed to environmental protection.
According to Mr. Auta, IMC will continue to provide a space for dialogue, collaboration, and policy-oriented discussions among stakeholders aimed at promoting environmental sustainability in Kaduna State, and the country at large.
He commended journalists and media organizations, as well as other stakeholders, for their active participation in the initiative.
Daniel Karlmax
