By Isqil Najim
An expert in the field of environmental engineering management, Dr. Abdulwasiu Ajagbe, has suggested ways successful waste management can be achieved in Ibadan metropolis.
Ajagbe, a past Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ibadan branch, made the revelations while featuring as Guest Speaker at the 28th Arokodare Memorial Lecture on October 31st, 2022, held at Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference Centre, U.I. Hotels, University of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital recently.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Solid Waste Management In The City of Ibadan: A Pragmatic Approach,’ he noted that for successful solid waste management to be achievable in Ibadan metropolis, effective waste minimization generation strategies need to be adopted with segregation of solid waste at the various solid waste source generators, with appropriate waste bins fabricated and color-coded, which is currently absent in the manner solid waste management is practiced today.
Building upon established environmental and engineering principles, Ajagbe said that a successful and lasting solution necessitates a fundamental shift in approach, moving beyond simply managing the ever-growing volume of waste.
Ajagbe stated that: “there is a need for active collaboration of all stakeholders involved, especially in the area of advocacy, public enlightenment, community participation, and public-private partnership arrangements, monitoring, evaluation, and compliance with the solid waste minimization management strategies.
“In addition, enforcement of existing laws and regulations, enactment of new laws, or amendment of existing laws where there are obvious gaps is vital to improving solid waste management,” he said.
Ajagbe expressed optimism that “if the proposed initiative is faithfully implemented in the city of Ibadan, there would be a significant improvement in solid waste problems in Ibadan Metropolis.”
The event coincided with the launch of the “Clean Ibadan Ambassadors” (CIA) initiative. The University of Ibadan Don outlined the success and path for the CIA. It had a distinguished audience including top engineering professionals, government officials, and community leaders, who echoed the concerns raised by the NSE regarding the growing challenges of waste disposal in the rapidly expanding city.
While acknowledging the efforts of initiatives like the newly launched CIA, Ajagbe stressed the need for a holistic and integrated strategy that addresses the root causes of the problem. Among such solutions is a paradigm shift towards waste minimization at the source. This approach, he said, is far more sustainable in the long run than simply focusing on managing ever-increasing volumes of discarded materials.
“Effective waste management begins not at the dumpsite, but in our homes, our markets, and our industries,” he stressed. he advocated for widespread public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on waste reduction, reuse, and recycling practices.
Ajagbe also addressed a significant societal challenge identified in his research: “Proliferation of hot drinks in sachets makes it very affordable for the youths; this affects their senses of reasoning.” He observed, adding that the “State Government should intervene to address potential indirect impacts on public health and responsible behaviour.”
He highlighted the crucial role of formalising and supporting the informal waste sector. Recognising the significant contribution of waste pickers and small-scale recyclers.
he proposed strategies for integrating these individuals into the formal waste management system, providing them with training, equipment, and fair compensation. “These individuals are often the unsung heroes of waste management,” he noted, “and their efforts should be recognized and supported through appropriate policies and frameworks.”
Ajagbe offered several key recommendations, among which are: a change in the patterns of manufacturing and consumption, recognising this as integral to the very concept of waste minimisation; advocacy on the minimization of quantities of waste requiring disposal, through proactive measures such as source reduction, material recovery, reuse, and robust recycling programs.
He also suggested the promotion of and active participation in waste prevention and recycling programs, emphasizing the need to actively engage and educate the citizenry while simultaneously identifying viable markets for recovered materials.
“Comprehensive enlightenment of waste generators, highlighting the urgent need to modify their current practices towards more sustainable waste management behaviours.” he concluded