How to curb environmental pollution arising from improper management of plastic waste was the highpoint of discussion at a waste management awareness campaign organised by the Sterling Global Oil Resources Ltd. (SGORL), for students of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology (FCFMT).
Addressing the students and their lecturers at the event which was held at the Bon Voyahe Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, last Friday, the Assistant Director, Circular Economy and Recycling, Waste Management Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Toyin Oguntola, described plastic pollution is a universal phenomenon, adding that the change in human lifestyles are major contributors to the high volume of plastic wastes.
Mrs Oguntola, speaking on the theme: ‘Stop Plastic Pollution, be a part of the solution’ said “Plastics which are generated in large quantities globally, are a high threat to the sustainability of the planet earth, as plastic wastes in all forms have engulfed our oceans and damaged our surroundings.”
She described the campaign embarked upon by Sterling Global Oil Resources as part of the catch them young initiatives aimed at ensuring that the young ones are informed of the need to help preserve the environment by making sure plastic wastes are properly disposed.
While urging the students to join in the campaign to keep the environment safe from plastic waste pollution, Mrs Oguntola urged that recycling of the plastics will go a long way in decontaminating the environment.
Principal Scientist, Ministry of Environment Mrs. Funmilayo Ejide, while also addressing the students said, “Plastic waste is choking us. Everyday plastic waste is streaming into our natural water bodies and blocking their natural flow at a frightening scale.”
According to her, in Lagos, like other urban cities across the world, we are confronted with an upsetting plastic pollution problem.
She said: “Although our communities are the most vulnerable to climate change, we can play an important role in mitigating this and safeguarding the environment and enhancing the quality of life for the future generations by our habits, one of which is in recycling the plastics.”
She commended SGORL for recognizing the impact of the growing plastics lifestyle on the environment and the need to continuous and consistent drum the need to improve our plastic waste management mechanisms to preserve the environment.
Senior Lecturer, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Engr. Agbaiko Odio, agrees that recycling plastic waste is one of the safest ways to prevent environmental pollution.
Odio said the campaign initiative embarked upon by SGORL is helping to build a sense of social responsibility among the communities so that efficient material recovery and recycling are accomplished.
“Given the growing concern around plastic risks and multiplied plastic wastes, the need for viable and environment-friendly solutions has continued to rise.
“The recycling of plastic products and waste is essential for the benefit of both communities and the natural environment,” he said, adding that the hostile consequence of plastic waste is now a comprehensive concern as it is associated with global warming and climate change by emitting toxic gases and contaminants into the environment.
Dignitaries present at the event were Mrs. Funmilayo Ejide Principal Scientist, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Orororo, Principal Scientist, Waste Management Department, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Engr. Agbaiko Odio, Senior Lecturer, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology and Mr. Yau Shamsudeen Damisa, Senior Lecturer, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos State.
The Sterling Global Oil Resources Ltd., said the plastic waste management campaign is one of the ways the firm hopes to contribute towards arresting plastic pollution, promising to lessen, salvage, and recycle wherever possible to reduce the release of plastics into the environment.
SGORL covets for a world where we and nature can flourish simultaneously for a waste-free future.
