Climate change: Jigawa Govt trains 600 women on plastic waste conversion
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
Jigawa State Government has commenced the training of 600 women on the conversion of plastic waste to marketable products to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Wife of the state governor, Hajiya Amina Umar Namadi flagged off the training on Saturday in Dutse as part of activities to mark the 2025 International Women Day.
The initiative was put together by Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA) and United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).
She said that the initiative aligns with the agenda of the government on environmental sustainability, turning waste to wealth and empowering women.
According to her, the conversion of plastics into marketable products serves as a tangible solution to the pressing global challenges of plastic waste management and climate change mitigation.
The governor’s wife said reducing plastic production, lowering greenhouse gas emission and promoting circular economy will lead to sustainable environmental resilience.
In his speech, the Managing Director of JISEPA, Adamu Sabo said international women’s day is marked annually to strengthen the resilience and achievements of women, and their innovative role in environmental sustainability in communities.
“Today’s programme is also part of UNICEF’s global Green Rising Initiative that aims to mobilize youth-led climate action through volunteerism, green skills development, and environmental advocacy.
“In Nigeria, Green Rising aims to plant 100,000 trees, recycle 100,000kg of plastic waste, and mobilize 100,000 youth for climate action by 2025,” Adamu said.
According to him, this initiative will directly contribute to Nigeria’s environmental sustainability goals, and foster climate-smart entrepreneurship among young people, particularly women.
“UNICEF has also created Yoma (Youth Opportunities Marketplace), an innovative digital platform ecosystem that connects young people to learning, earning, and social impact opportunities.
“Through Yoma, youth can access online courses, mentorship, skill-building challenges, and employment opportunities: www.yoma.world/opportunities.
“The Jigawa project will leverage Yoma to equip young women with digital and entrepreneurial skills, connecting them to real-world economic opportunities beyond their immediate environment,” the JISEPA managing director explained.
He recalled that in 2018, as part of the UN Youth Policy 2030, UNICEF launched the global Generation Unlimited movement to meet the urgent needs of young people, connecting Nigerian youth with skills, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship pathways to prepare them for the 21st-century workforce.
“Through UNICEF’s technical guidance, we are also ensuring that this initiative aligns with broader goals of His Excellency the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi as contained in the 12-point Agenda on Environmental, sustainable development, contributing to cleaner environments, reducing waste, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
“UNICEF’s focus on the most vulnerable women and youths in this project has ensured that this project does not leave anyone behind”.
On his part, the National President, Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria, Salisu Ali Yarima said the association would offer free training to the 600 women drawn from the 27 local government areas, on waste recycling management.
He appealed to the state government to provide take-off grant for the 600 women to immediately go into business immediately after the training.
