The Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) has reiterated the importance of proper waste disposal among citizens and residents to prevent health challenges and flooding.
This call was made during a one-day workshop organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) titled “Proper Waste Management and Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR),” held on Thursday at the Etagha Itam Night Market, Itam, Itu LGA.
Representatives of AKSEPWMA, Sanitarians John Effiong and Uyo Amos, delivered lectures on “Proper Waste Management” and the “Health Implications of Poor Waste Management,” respectively. They defined waste as any unwanted material or substance arising from human activities.
Sanitarian Amos classified waste into different types, including solid waste (e.g., trash, garbage, refuse), liquid waste (e.g., wastewater, sewage, industrial effluent), and gaseous waste (e.g., air pollutants, greenhouse gases).
He emphasized that proper waste management involves reducing, reusing, recycling, and properly disposing of waste to minimize its impact on the environment and human health.
Amos also highlighted that AKSEPWMA, under the leadership of Obong Prince Ikim, has effectively managed waste in the state according to global best practices. He warned against improper waste disposal practices such as dumping waste in drains and waterways, littering streets, burning trash openly, and indiscriminate disposal in unauthorized areas.
On his part, Sanitarian John Effiong elaborated on the health risks of poor waste management, stating, “Improper disposal of waste poses significant risks to human health, including the spread of diseases, contamination of water sources, and exposure to toxic substances.”
He added that poor waste management can lead to outbreaks of cholera, diarrhea, and other waterborne diseases, as well as respiratory problems and cancer.
Effiong, who is the Head of Environmental Health Services at AKSEPWMA, urged all stakeholders and residents to adopt proper waste management practices to safeguard health and well-being, emphasizing that it is a shared responsibility.
He specifically commended the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for equipping AKSEPWMA with the necessary tools, trained personnel, and a conducive environment, which has significantly enhanced the agency’s capacity to manage waste and maintain a clean environment. He noted that Akwa Ibom has consistently received national and international awards as the cleanest state since 2018 till date
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Head of Operations of NEMA, Uyo Office, Mrs. Mmandu Aisueni, stated that the workshop aimed to empower individuals, communities, and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle improper waste management, which often leads to flooding.
She praised AKSEPWMA and other partners for their dedication to promoting environmental sustainability and disaster resilience.
The workshop featured a sensitization campaign in the market, where traders were given nylon waste bags, lectures, and goodwill messages from the State Environmental Management Agency (SEMA), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Other participants included the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Red Cross, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the State Ministry of Environment, Ibom Community Watch (ICW) and the President of the Itam Market Union, among others.
