By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The First Lady of Jigawa State, Hajiya Amina Umar Namadi, has launched a training program for 600 women on the Waste-to-Wealth Initiative, which focuses on upcycling waste straps into marketable products to mitigate climate change.
The initiative, organized by the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA) in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is part of the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration in the state. The event took place at the Government House in Dutse.
Hajiya Amina Umar Namadi emphasized that the initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability, waste management, and women’s empowerment under its 12-point agenda.
“Upcycling plastic straps into marketable products provides a practical solution to two major global challenges: plastic waste management and climate change mitigation,” she stated.
She further highlighted that reducing reliance on virgin plastic production, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting a circular economy create a sustainable pathway toward environmental resilience.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of JISEPA, Sanitarian Adamu Sabo, said the 2025 IWD celebration aims to strengthen women’s resilience while showcasing their innovative role in environmental protection.
“Today’s program is part of UNICEF’s global Green Rising initiative, which mobilizes youth-led climate action through volunteering, green skills development, and environmental advocacy. In Nigeria, Green Rising aims to plant 100,000 trees, recycle 100,000 kg of plastic waste, and engage 100,000 youth in climate action by 2025,” he explained.
Sabo noted that the initiative supports Nigeria’s environmental sustainability goals while fostering climate-smart entrepreneurship, particularly among women.
He also highlighted UNICEF’s Yoma (Youth Opportunities Marketplace), a digital platform that connects young people with learning, earning, and social impact opportunities. Through Yoma, participants can access online courses, mentorship, skill-building challenges, and employment opportunities.
“The Jigawa project will utilize Yoma to equip young women with digital and entrepreneurial skills, linking them to real-world economic opportunities beyond their immediate environment,” he added.
Sabo further explained that, under the UN Youth Policy 2030, UNICEF launched the Generation Unlimited movement to prepare Nigerian youth for the 21st-century workforce by connecting them with skills, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship pathways.
He reiterated that this initiative aligns with the vision of Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s 12-point agenda on sustainable environmental development, contributing to cleaner surroundings, waste reduction, and inclusive economic growth.
“UNICEF’s focus on vulnerable women and youth ensures that no one is left behind in this project,” he concluded.
The National President of the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria, Comrade Salisu Ali Yarima, announced that the association would provide free training on waste recycling management for the 600 women selected from all 27 local government areas of Jigawa State.
He urged the state government to provide a startup grant for the trained women, enabling them to launch their businesses immediately.
