Nasarawa state: The UN Development Programme-Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (UNDP-GEF SGP) and Digital Peers International (DPI) have rewarded young innovators in plastic waste management with millions of naira in cash prizes and an all-expense-paid study trip to China. The awards were presented during the closing ceremony of the DPI-SGP 2.0 project in Nasarawa State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, themed ‘Deploying the Power of IT-Engaged Youth in Effective Plastic Use and Plastic Waste Management 2.0’, was designed to empower young Nigerians with digital, entrepreneurial, and technological skills to combat plastic pollution while fostering sustainable businesses. Dr Ibukun Odusote, Executive Officer of DPI, emphasized the project’s role in showcasing how community-driven innovation and digital technology can provide solutions to Nigeria’s plastic challenges.
Odusote highlighted that the initiative extended beyond awareness creation, focusing on capacity building, innovation, enterprise development, digital transformation, and sustainability. She expressed the need for ongoing support for the talented young innovators emerging from the project, to ensure their ideas are refined and commercialized for societal benefit.
Dr Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator of UNDP-GEF SGP Nigeria, praised the creativity and determination demonstrated by the participants. She noted that the project is aligned with the program’s vision of supporting community-driven initiatives that deliver environmental benefits and improve livelihoods. Olubamise stressed the importance of sustainability measures to ensure the project’s impact extends beyond the grant period.
Representing the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, Mr Umaru Murtala highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to responsible plastic waste management through policies like the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management and the Extended Producer Responsibility framework. Mr Francis Agbarakwe of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board emphasized the project’s success would be measured by behavioral change, business creation, and its environmental legacy.
Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, highlighted the national concern over plastic pollution and the need for sustainable environmental management practices. The innovation challenge’s overall winner, Mr Abdullahi Sulaiman-Ezhin of Triple R Recycling Limited, developed a technology converting plastic waste into durable interlocking paving stones, addressing both pollution and road construction challenges.
The event concluded with awards to outstanding youth innovators, donation of plastic waste receptacles to Nasarawa State University, and the official close-out of the DPI-SGP 2.0 project. The overall winning team received N2 million, while first and second runners-up, Uptex Limited and Apex Recycling Nigeria, received N1.6 million and N1.2 million, respectively, with other teams also receiving cash prizes.