By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Nigeria’s first waste museum has been launched in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The museum was opened by a 2019 alumni U.S. Consulate’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, Jumoke Olowookere.
She opened it with the support from the United States Africa Development Foundation.
The Waste Museum will provide environmental education and equip women and youth from underserved communities with upcycling skills.
At the opening ceremony of the museum in Ibadan, Olowookere highlighted the importance of finding creative and productive ways to create employment by turning waste into valuable products.
She explained that the overall objectives of establishing the museum is to protect the environment from degradation and support the expansion of sustainable upcycling businesses in Nigeria.
“Environmental risk factors of indiscriminate disposal of waste and the rising pile of garbage in our cities are huge. With the Waste Museum, we are showcasing the value of waste,” Olowookere said.
“We want people to see how waste can be turned into wealth. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that no waste goes into the landfill –– a zero waste future is possible.”
Speaking at the event, U.S. Consulate Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Jennifer Foltz, applauded Olowookere for raising awareness among the youth and encouraging community members to take the lead and be part of the solution to preserving the environment.
She noted that the U.S. government would continue to support efforts aimed at encouraging increased and improved upcycling and recycling in Nigeria.
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