A delegation from the Kingdom of Netherlands ,are on a two-day mission focused on promoting circular economy practices in Anambra State.
The team, consists of Dr. Natalie Beinisch, Mr. Opeyemi Oriniowo, and Mr. Baloluwa Dairo, aims to assist the state to establish a circular economy that fosters the recycling of various waste types.
The team lead of the Dutch mission, Mr. Opeyemi Oriniowo revealed that the initiative has been ongoing for the past two years.
Oriniowo emphasized Netherlands’ commitment to supporting the transition through investments from both the private and public sectors, alongside essential policy support.
According to him, the mission seeks to engage government entities and private institutions
The engagement is to to create a cohesive platform that promotes a Net Zero transition through employing an ecosystem approach,
This includes establishing direct trade linkages between the Netherlands and Anambra State within the circular economy sector.
A highlight of the mission was a stakeholders’ meeting with the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.
Dr. Ibezim affirmed the importance of environmental sustainability in the Soludo administration, citing transformative projects such as the redevelopment of the Okpoko slum into a more livable area.
He expressed the state’s eagerness to collaborate with the Netherlands.
Netherlands Team Circular Economy Purpose
The head of the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership Dr. Nathalie Beinisch, explained that the primary purpose of the visit was to enhance waste management, promote plastic recycling, and strengthen recovery and management policies throughout Anambra State.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, on his part, said that that the Soludo administration is prioritizing environmental issues by creating a conducive environment for recycling hubs to flourish.
He cited a community programme of the Anambra State Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA), which engages all 179 communities in the state.
According to him, the ASWRA programme encourages residents to collect plastics for profit, thereby creating jobs and promoting circular economy practices that enhance the state’s economy.
Dr. Odimegwu restated the state’s commitment to fortifying multi-sector partnerships, exploring new opportunities in waste management, and overcoming challenges in pursuit of greater environmental sustainability.
The Delegation’s Tour
The delegation toured several recycling hubs, including The Green Republic Recycling Hub in Amansea, Awka Dump Site, the Intentional Recycling Hub, Carbon Africa Recycling Hub, Rotic Aluminium Extrusion in Agu Awka, Krisoral Group of Companies in Onitsha, VinVal Recycling Industries in Onitsha, Zec Recycling Industries in Nkpor, and Starrich Recycling Industries.
Notable attendees at the event included Dr. Emma Ezenwaji, Chairman of the ASWAMA Board; Hon. Mike Ozoemena, MD/CEO of ASWAMA; Amb. Philip Obuezi, Founder of SWEEP; Prince Chris Azor, ASWAMA Board Member; Mr. Tochukwu Obodogha, Permanent Secretary; and Dr. Ijeoma Onyenwelum, Head of Ecology, among others.
CREDIT: VON
