By Cleopatra Eki
A group called Recycling Scheme for Women and Youth Empowerment (RESWAYE) has organised stakeholders to join in community Beach cleaning, to create more awareness on recycling and wealth creation.
Doyinsola Ogunye, founder RESWAYE disclosed that Awareness & cleaning up event aims to promote a cleaner, more sustainable environment at Folu community lbeju Lekki Lagos.
- “Recycling Scheme for Women and Youth Empowerment project has been engaging these stakeholders over the years to rid the environment heavy pile of plastic waste scheme across 16 coastal communities in Ibeju Lekki. “
She added that to reduce climate and global warming in Nigeria, it requires a collective effort by all of us, government and stakeholders, through management of our waste, to reduce heavy use of plastic bottles, pure water sahets,,containers, empty can drinks , bottles among others affecting gutters, coastal and environment.
She appreciated the Folu community for a land at beach for recreation and another place for the Recycling Bank for collection of plastics and other related waste.
Ogunye further noted that “seeing our network of women and youth recyclers protect the shorelines and coastlines of Lagos state as they gather plastic waste has been deeply fulfilling. Economically empowering the women and youths during these turbulent times as they continue to preserve the environment is paramount.” Women and youths are encouraged so to maintain cleaner, more sustainable environment.
According to her,Through RESWAYE initiative and other collaboration of other partners,our beneficiaries are paid a token depending on when they pick up and deliver plastic waste to the Reswaye project. The project brings significant economic relief to these communities which have been hit hard by the economic consequences with the support Blue companies to reduce society wastes.
According to Ogunye, “We work with communities everywhere to better understand of recycling and collection challenges while stimulating a recycling culture amongst residents.
The waste washes up on the shores of coastal communities, an eyesore that makes life unpleasant while also reducing the opportunity to make money from tourists visiting the beaches. Plastic waste also reduces economic opportunity when fishes and other aquatic animals swallow and choke on them.
Chief Jide Kosoko , Ace actor and environmental ambassador said we can build a sustainable environment and oceans through awareness,education and job creation, urging the community to partner with RESWAYE organization to reduce plastic pollution through collection and recycling.Partners, governments and civil society organisations should be part of this initiative.
He commended the women and youths in coast community working with RESWAYE. He added that the cleaning these of plastics and waste items poses a greater waste management burden. The culture of recycling of waste products to generate income for women and youths is huge and encouraging.
- Speaking to the Chief Lawal Tajudeen Agboolade, Baale of Folu community, said ,”We appreciate the group for developing an effective recycling system that meets the unique needs of local communities, making recycling more accessible for everyone while also encouraging the economic empowerment of women and youths“
- “As for my family we are in the business in recycling too :Also supporting the project is the Baale of Akodo lse,Chief Lateef Shittu.
- A beneficiary Mrs Sola Bakare from one Ibeju-Lekki communities said with this we clean the environment and also collect money to take care of our family”. She takes plastics to the RESWAYE Bank and earn an income while doing something else.
