Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Benue State Government has taken a significant step towards transforming waste management in the state by signing an agreement with Sector Leads Ltd, a leading waste management company.
The governor of the state, Hyacinth Alia who presided over the signing ceremony on Wednesday at Government House, Makurdi described the partnership agreement as a watershed, and expressed optimism that the agreement would guide the operational guidelines of the project to ensure its success.
“The ceremony we are going to perform here today, marks a watershed of the marriage between Benue State of Nigeria and Sector Leads. We are going to execute our agreement, which will guide the relationship between the two and and also the operational guidelines of the project that we have in focus”, he stated.
Represented by his Deputy, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, the Governor further explained that, “The conversation around this particular project has been quite extensive to the extent that all the variables that will impact on the environment and wellbeing of the state have been diligently considered”.
“We have also ensured due diligence in all aspects of this project, including the legal aspects”, he stated, adding that the partnership was a testament to government’s commitment to providing a cleaner and healthier environment for our people.
Commissioner for water Resources and Environment Hon. Ugwu Odoh commended government’s commitment to finding innovative solutions to the state’s waste management challenge, and further disclosed that the partnership is expected to bring about a revolutionary change in the way waste is managed in the state; transforming it into wealth through the production of organic fertilizer, bio gas, renewable energy generation as well as job creation for the youths.
“We are excited about this partnership and believe that it will not only transform waste into wealth but also contribute significantly to the growth and development of the state”, he said.
On her part, Director General, Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, Ms. Benita Shuluwa noted that the project which would create 420 direct and 300 indirect jobs for the people of the state, was fully funded by Sector Lead Limited with support from the State Government.
The Director General further explained that “This project stems from global climate changes the world as a whole has been experiencing and the need to be creative in protecting our environment, whilst at the same time promoting economic development.
“Collating waste from the landfills/dump sites and converting the waste to energy and multiple by-products including bio gas, bio fertilizers, 40MW power, etc via an automatic waste separation process”.
She added that the project seeks to attract the much talked-about carbon credit to Benue State, thereby boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Chief Executive Officer of Sector Leads Ltd, Mr. Adedayo Mustapha, assured that his company was committed to working closely with the government and other stakeholders to deliver world-class waste management services to the people of Benue State, and promised that “The project will not only reduce the environmental impact of waste but also generate significant revenue for the state government”.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Hon. Barr. Fidelis Mnyim signed the partnership agreement on behalf of the Benue State Government while Mr. Mustapha signed for Sector Leads Ltd.
The signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone in Benue State’s efforts to tackle its waste management challenges and create sustainable economic opportunities for its people.
The ceremony was witnessed by some government officials, including Commissioner for lands and survey, Hon. Barr, Martins Shaagee, his counterpart in the Ministry of Power and Energy, Hon. Barr Omale Omale Oga Matthew ; Dr. Dan Ashiekaa; representatives of Sector Leads Ltd, and other stakeholders in the waste management sector.