WAPAN director at SFC training, sheds light on waste management
By Faridat Salifu
The SFC Training Academy and the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), has agreed to jointly organised a comprehensive training programs focused on Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards, sustainable waste management, and advanced recycling techniques.
The targeted training program would not only enhance the skills of waste pickers but also ensure that their work is conducted in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable Nigeria.
The agreement was reached when the Climate Podcast of SFC Training Academy hosted Aliyu Auwal Aliyu, the Director of Communications for the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria on Saturday.
As a dedicated youth leader, Aliyu has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and recognition of waste pickers in Nigeria, a group that plays a crucial role in the country’s waste management and recycling efforts.
According to Aliyu, the conversation was insightful and enlightening, shedding light on the often overlooked but indispensable contributions of waste pickers to Nigeria’s environmental health.
Aliyu provided an in-depth analysis of the current challenges facing waste pickers, including the lack of formal recognition, inadequate safety measures, and the absence of structured support systems.
He emphasized the need for greater awareness and appreciation of the work these individuals do, which not only supports the recycling industry but also helps to reduce the country’s waste footprint significantly.
WAPAN, as Aliyu explained, has been instrumental in organizing waste pickers into a cohesive group, advocating for their rights, and providing them with the necessary resources to carry out their work more efficiently and safely.
The association’s efforts have been pivotal in bringing attention to the essential services waste pickers provide, and in pushing for policies that protect and empower them.
The meeting came to a glorious conclusion with a shared commitment to furthering this partnership, while both parties recognizing the immense value in combining WAPAN’s grassroots expertise with SFC Training Academy’s educational resources.
Together, they aim to empower waste pickers with the knowledge and skills needed to elevate their work and continue making a positive impact on the environment.
This episode of the Climate Podcast stands as a testament to the critical role that collaboration and education play in driving sustainable development.
Collaboration between WAPAN and SFC Training Academy sets a precedent for how organizations can work together to create lasting change, both for the individuals involved and for the public at large.