The Jigawa State Government has launched a training program for 600 women in environmental sustainability, aiming to enhance their social and economic well-being.
The initiative, implemented under the Waste-to-Wealth program in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), was announced by the Managing Director of the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA), Adamu Sambo. Speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day 2025 in Dutse, the state capital, Sambo emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in sustainable development.
With the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” the event focused on unlocking equal rights and opportunities for women while promoting environmental conservation. Sambo reiterated the state’s commitment to expanding the program across all 27 local government areas, ensuring broader participation in upcycling and waste-to-wealth initiatives.
“The inclusion of women in environmental sustainability is not just about equity; it is essential for creating long-term solutions,” Sambo stated. “By empowering women with skills in waste upcycling and entrepreneurship, we are fostering climate resilience and economic independence.”
He highlighted that the program will teach participants how to transform waste into marketable products, addressing global waste management challenges while providing economic opportunities. Women trained under the initiative will gain skills in upcycling, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, enabling them to contribute to household income and national economic growth.
The training will also leverage UNICEF’s Youth Opportunities Marketplace (YOMA), a digital platform connecting young people to skill-building challenges, mentorship, and employment opportunities. Sambo noted that YOMA would equip women with digital and entrepreneurial skills, expanding their access to economic prospects beyond their immediate communities.
The Wife of the Jigawa State Governor, Amina Namadi, commended the initiative, emphasizing that empowering women in environmental sustainability would create lasting positive impacts. She urged participants to take full advantage of the training, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Sambo expressed gratitude to the state government, the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), and other stakeholders for their support. He reaffirmed JISEPA’s commitment to ensuring women play a leading role in transforming waste into valuable resources, benefiting both their communities and the environment.
For Firsthand Information, Join the ScienceNaija channel on WhatsApp
