By George George Idowu
A 16-year-old Nigerian, Manasseh Aluga, has received global recognition for his innovative work in transforming plastic waste into environmentally friendly building bricks.
Aluga, who hails from Jos, Plateau State, was named the second-place winner in the International Young Eco-Hero Award by the U.S. based environmental organization, Action for Nature (AFN).
He won the award from his groundbreaking initiative, the Kundu Waste Management Project, which earned him this reward.
In a statement released on Monday, AFN spokesperson Kelly Carnes highlighted Aluga’s leadership in environmental innovation in Nigeria.
“We are impressed by Manasseh’s determination to create a cleaner environment, despite facing financial constraints and personal challenges,” said Carnes.
She noted that Aluga’s project was driven by the severe plastic pollution affecting his community.
Since its launch in March 2022, the Kundu project has made significant progress, successfully producing and distributing eco-bricks to local construction sites.