Stakeholders have renewed their appeal to both the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Rivers State Government, to implement strategies that can convert waste into valuable economic resources.
The advocacy for a waste to wealth approach was strengthened following a call by the Chairman Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr. Gift Worlu, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, when he received members of Health, Environment and You, on a courtesy visit to his office at the council headquarters, Rumuodumaya.
Worlu who was represented by his vice, Dr. Joyce Nyeche, emphasized the need for the country to turn waste into wealth through the recycling of raw products such as plastic cans and other waste products.
On practical steps to achieve this, the LGA Zonal Director of Senior Secondary Schools Board, Mrs Esther Owhor Chuku, expressed her commitment to ensuring that children demonstrate a sense of responsibility towards their environment.
Chuku promised to partner Health, Environment and You, to ensure that students across the LGA are enlightened on book waste and its proper management.
According to her, “we pledge our deep commitment to ensuring that the children are empowered through knowledge, creativity and sense of responsibility towards their environment.
“It is on this premise that my office is partnering the Health, Environment and You(Hey) to support and ensure that book on Waste and waste management gets across schools in Obio/Akpor LGA.”
Chuku further commended the LG boss for his commitment towards the development of the LGA and for restoring free traffic flow along Rumuokoro and oil-mill/Eleme junction which she said has improved commercial activities in the area.
On his part, the Convener of Health, Environment and You (HEY), Mr. Kelvin O. Maximus, outlined some of the benefit of waste management which he said includes making money and creating job opportunities.
According to him, “there is so much money in organic waste and that’s why we are in Obio/Akpor, an important Local Government Area not just in Rivers State but in Nigeria at large.
“Our mission is to drive the initiative of empowering people through the training and enlightenment.”
