Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
A group, Hope Aglow Charity Foundation, has urged students of Bingham University Nasarawa State and that of Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic (KENPOLY), Rivers state to adopt the waste-to-wealth initiative.
Founder of the group, Dr Cynthia Amaka Obiorah, an Associate Professor of Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment, made the call while speaking on the theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution” in commemoration of World Environment Day 2025, held at both institutions, Bingham University, Karu and Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori respectively.
She urged the students to adopt the sustainable environmental practices through the 5Rs of waste management: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle, while also introducing a new dimension – the 6th R.. “Regenerate wealth” through plastic regeneration.
“The waste-to-wealth initiative offers a unique opportunity for students to contribute to environmental sustainability while creating economic value,” Dr. Obiorah stated.
Dr Obiorah who noted the dangers of plastic pollution, highlighting its devastating impact on human health and the environment.
She explained: “The chemicals in plastic are harmful to humans and the environment”, citing the destruction of marine life and ecosystems. “Microplastics, found in everything, pose significant threats to environmental and human health”.
In his remarks during the awareness on ending plastic pollution, at the Kenule Beeson Saro Wiwa Polytechnic, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Michael Saro, who pledged the institution’s commitment to support the waste-to-wealth initiative, emphasised the need for collective action to address plastic pollution
“The management of the polytechnic accepts this initiative and promises to key into your vision… We’re open to more collaborations.”
President of Junior Chamber International, Kenpoly, Green Doosia, emphasised collective responsibility for environmental conservation, saying, “We all own the environment; if we abuse it, it’s to our detriment.”
Earlier, during the group’s seminar at the Bingham University Nasarawa State, Dean, Faculty of Communications and Media Studies, Dr Desmond Okocha, emphasised the importance of prioritising environmental health for survival while urging participants drawn from different departments to take proactive steps to protect the environment.
Okocha who is also the State Coordinator of UNA-Nigeria, Abuja branch,, said “There is a need for us to value the environment and protect it. This year’s theme is ending plastic solutions. It is necessary for us to preserve the environment by taking care of how we use and dispose of plastics”.
Also a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at the Bingham University, Dr James Bwala, in a paper presentation said tree planting was a fundamental strategy for safeguarding the environment due to its multifaceted benefits in climate regulation, biodiversity support, and community well-being.
“By emphasising education and awareness, communities can better understand the role of trees in environmental health, fostering a culture of stewardship that supports long-term ecological balance.”
Highlights of the event in Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Bori, was the presentation of appreciation award to the Founder of the Foundation, Dr. Cynthia Amaka Obiorah for her commitment to promoting a healthier environment and sustainable practices.
There was also a clean-up of the schools environment by Hope Aglow Charity Foundation members, students of Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa and students of Bingham University to evacuate plastic waste from the school environment, promoting a cleaner and healthier space as well as presentation of waste collectors to the institutions as a practical example in segregation of plastic waste.
There was further planting of trees in both institutions to promote the green initiatives and climate change.
Dr Obiorah stated that tree planting is one of the easiest and effective ways of fighting climate change caused by greenhouse gas. “As trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas in the atmosphere”, she added.
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