The Abia State Government has announced that its circular economic project is designed to create jobs and elevate the state’s economic status by generating wealth.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, disclosed this during an interaction with newsmen in Umuahia at a workshop forming part of the second segment of the project.
Following an initial assessment conducted by the EU-UNIDO across all 36 states of the federation, Abia was among the four states selected to benefit from the program, sponsored by the EU-UNIDO.
According to Mr. Ogbonna, the second assessment will be more practical than the first, involving field visits to inspect ongoing projects, both government and private, to evaluate Abia’s current efforts in the circular economy.
“We want to always take the lead in everything. Getting Abia ready to do more on what we’re already doing in the circular economy project is why we are here today. UNIDO is here, and they are here to help Abia.
“We are going to develop policies that will guide this project in Abia State. It’s not only going to be the government; other individuals who will be interested in investing in this circular economy will be encouraged. So that is the essence of this meeting,” he said.
The commissioner assured that at the end of the assessment, the state and its citizens will benefit significantly.
He explained that the circular economic project focuses on recycling waste to create wealth and employment.
“Abians will benefit because not only will the waste be managed, the State Government will generate employment, while industries will spring up,” Ogbonna said.
The Regional Program Coordinator of UNIDO, Mr. Oluyomi Banjo, also spoke at the event, highlighting that Nigeria would soon hold a convention for plastic waste.
He added that the country has robust policies on waste management and encouraged Abia State to align with these policies.
Banjo assured that UNIDO would continue to support Abia in achieving its industrialization goals.
He also cautioned the public about the environmental impact of some renewable energy components, such as solar power.
Additionally, Joshua Moses, representing the Abia State Policy Innovation Centre, explained that the centre was established by Governor Alex Otti to create a responsible framework for policy formulation and implementation.
He stated that its purpose is to enhance governance, leadership, and streamline initiatives while regulating activities.
Earlier, one of the resource persons, Prince Onyenweaku, noted that the circular economic project offers numerous benefits, including strengthening government relationships with the private sector.
Other speakers at the event included the State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ike Monday; General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Ogbonnaya Okereke; Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Kachi Etolue; and Special Assistant to the Governor on Climate Change, Ms. Esther Chioma Aja.