A delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, consisting of Dr Natalie Beinisch, Mr Opeyemi Oriniowo, and Mr Baloluwa Dairo, embarked on a two-day mission to Anambra State focused on promoting circular economy practices.
Mr Opeyemi Oriniowo, the team lead of the Dutch mission, revealed that the initiative has been in development for the past two years.
The team aims to assist Anambra in establishing a circular economy that fosters the recycling of various waste types.
He emphasised the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting the transition through investments from both the private and public sectors, alongside essential policy support.
By employing an ecosystem approach, Mr Oriniowo stated that the mission seeks to engage government entities and private institutions to create a cohesive platform that promotes a net-zero transition.
This includes establishing direct trade linkages between the Netherlands and Anambra within the circular economy sector.
A highlight of the mission was a stakeholders’ meeting with the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, represented by Deputy Governor Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim.
Dr Ibezim affirmed the importance of environmental sustainability in the Soludo administration, citing transformative projects such as the redevelopment of the Okpoko slum into a more liveable area.
He expressed the state’s eagerness to collaborate with the Netherlands.
Dr Beinisch, head of the Circular Economy Innovation Platform, clarified that the primary purpose of the visit was to enhance waste management, promote plastic recycling, and strengthen recovery and management policies throughout Anambra State.
Abundant support for environmental initiatives came from Dr Felix Odimegwu, the Commissioner for Environment, who noted that the Soludo administration is prioritising environmental issues by creating a conducive environment for recycling hubs to flourish.
He highlighted a community program through the Anambra State Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA), which engages all 179 communities in the state, encouraging residents to collect plastics for profit, thereby creating jobs and promoting circular economy practices that enhance the state’s economy.
Dr Odimegwu reiterated Anambra’s commitment to fortifying multi-sector partnerships, exploring new opportunities in waste management, and overcoming challenges in pursuit of greater environmental sustainability.
The delegation toured several recycling hubs, including The Green Republic Recycling Hub in Amansea, Awka Dump Site, the Intentional Recycling Hub, Carbon Africa Recycling Hub, Rotic Aluminium Extrusion in Agu Awka, Krisoral Group of Companies in Onitsha, VinVal Recycling Industries in Onitsha, Zec Recycling Industries in Nkpor, and Starrich Recycling Industries.
Notable attendees at the event included Dr Emma Ezenwaji, Chairman of the ASWAMA Board; Hon. Mike Ozoemena, MD/CEO of ASWAMA; Amb. Philip Obuezi, Founder of SWEEP; Prince Chris Azor, ASWAMA Board Member; Mr Tochukwu Obodogha, Permanent Secretary; and Dr Ijeoma Onyenwelum, Head of Ecology, among others.
Victoria Ibanga
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