NAN-AE-2
Training
By Vivian Emoni
Abuja, Aug. 2, 2017 (NAN) The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) says it has commenced train-the-trainer programme for some community leaders on proper waste management in the FCT, in collaboration with Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA).
The Acting Director of the board, Mrs Omolola Olanipekun, Olanipekun said on Wednesday in Abuja that the training was to educate the community leaders on how to properly manage waste.
She was represented by Mr Muktar Ibrahim, Head of AEPB’s Information and Outreach Unit.
According to her, what AEPB and JICA the training is aimed at ensuring that FCT residents know the importance of keeping their environment clean.
‘‘Training the trainers is a process of acquiring knowledge, skills and attitude needed to fill the gap between what people want to do and what they are able to do.
‘‘The programme is intended to train leaders of the various quarters in the FCT.
‘‘After training the leaders, they can in turn go back and educate other residents on some of the techniques of proper waste disposals.
‘‘We have met with all the residents before starting the programme.
‘‘We decided to select some leaders out of the residents in the FCT so that we can train them and they can become trainers as well,’’ she said.
Olanipekun said that the two organisations also used the exercise to impact knowledge on the communities on proper waste management and for them to be conscious the dangers of living in filthy environment.
‘‘So, we expect that they pass the knowledge they acquired to other residents and when next we call them, they will also become environmental ambassadors that can collaborate with the board.
‘‘Also, the efforts will promote environmental health and ensure that the city is kept clean through community participation and individual participation, ”she said.
The acting director, however, urged residents to support government to ensure that the environment remain tidy and devoid of diseases, especially the deadly ones.
Ms Yume Mori, JICA’s Expert for Public Awareness and Environmental Education, said that the training was the third phase of the programme on proper waste management.
Mori said the board and JICA started the programme in 2016 at Life Camp, adding that it would be extended to other communities in the FCT.
She also said the programme was aimed at educating residents and their leaders on the proper ways of disposing solid waste,in a safe and efficient manner and reduce health hazards.
Mr Godwin Bello, one of the participants commended the organisers of the [programme, saying that it would improve household sanitation and promote people’s living condition. (NAN)
VOE/MOL/DUA
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Dada Ahmed