MTN Foundation commissions its Waste to Wealth project at Alesinloye Market, Ibadan, Oyo State.

28th February, 2011 - 10:02 AM

On January 20, 2011, as part of MTNF¿s response to environmental issues, it commissioned its MTNF Cleaning the Local Environment All Around Nigeria (C.L.E.A.N) project, a waste recycling facility at Alesinloye Market, Ibadan, Oyo state.

The commissioning ceremony was performed by the representative of the Olubadan of Ibadan, the Ekarun Olubadan, High Chief Edward Oluwole. Other dignitaries present include the Oyo State Commissioner for Health; prominent indigenes of Ibadanland; representatives of the Commissioners for Information; Industry, Applied Science & Technology, and DG of NESREA (National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency).

The initiative was a concept proposed and implemented by the Nigeria Network For Awareness and Action for Environmental Health (NINAAFEH) in 2007/2008 and was funded by the MTN Foundation. It is being implemented by NINAAFEH in conjunction with the Alesinloye Market Traders Association, Ibadan at the Alesinloye Market, Ibadan.

The project entails the provision of proper waste collection system, disposal and recycling facility as well as public conveniences and provision of boreholes/wells in order to guarantee constant water supply and hygienic disposal of human wastes. The waste recycling component of the project deals with Plastic waste and transforming organic waste to fertiliser.

Some of the activities undertaken in the project include:

•  Setting up of an administrative office for the facility
• Establish, coordinate and facilitate Project Management Committee (PMC) meetings to inform and engage principal stakeholders.
• Conduct trainings and public enlightenment for local stakeholders on safe waste practices and general environmental hygiene.
• Installation of waste recycling (plastic and both organic and inorganic fertilisers) machines and accessories 
• Production of Organic and inorganic fertilisers recycled from organic wastes which are being sold to farmers.
• Production of Plastic pellets recycled from plastic waste materials which are being sold to plastic manufacturers
• Provision of waste collection carts and colour coded bins for waste collection at various points in the market 
• Provision of toilet facilities.
• Construction of water boreholes and wells 
• Provision of a 100KVA Transformer for electric power access for the factory 
• Recruitment and training of project personnel and waste recycling factory staff etc.