From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
As part of activities marking this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA), with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a training program for 600 young women on waste-to-wealth initiatives in Jigawa State.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Managing Director of JISEPA, Sanitarian Adamu Sabo, stated that this year’s theme in Jigawa is “Waste to Wealth Initiatives and Upcycling: Transforming Straps into Marketable Products to Mitigate Climate Change.”
He explained that the agency’s goal is not only to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women globally but also to highlight their innovative role in environmental sustainability and economic development.
According to him, the inclusion of women in environmental sustainability is not just about equity but a necessity for achieving lasting solutions.
“Women are agents of change in their families, communities, and beyond. When empowered with education, resources, and decision-making power, they are uniquely positioned to drive environmental conservation, waste reduction, and climate resilience,” he said.
Sabo emphasized that JISEPA is focusing on discarded plastic straps, transforming them into marketable products such as fashion accessories, bags, and home décor items.
He commended UNICEF for its unwavering support in improving the lives of children and women in Jigawa, stressing that their partnership has been instrumental in the success of the initiative.
*“Through upcycling and the Waste-to-Wealth Initiative, we are providing women with opportunities to not only protect the environment but also secure better economic prospects for themselves and their families.
“With UNICEF’s support, 600 women across Jigawa State are receiving training, with the possibility of expanding these efforts to ensure more women benefit from upcycling and waste-to-wealth programs,”* Sabo added.
In her remarks, the wife of the Jigawa State Governor, Hajiya Amina Umar Namadi, noted that the initiative aligns with the state’s 12-point agenda on environmental sustainability, waste-to-wealth, and empowerment programs.
She described the upcycling of plastic straps into marketable products as a practical solution to two pressing global challenges: plastic waste management and climate change mitigation.
Hajiya Amina commended JISEPA for its visionary leadership and appreciated UNICEF, the Waste and Environmental Protection Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), and BASF for their invaluable support in making the initiative a reality.
She also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting similar programs for a better and more sustainable Jigawa State.