The Ministry of Environment and Sustainability and the Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB) have visited one of the government-approved dumpsites located at Enogie Road, Ihinmwirin Quarter, St. Savior, Benin City, where a recycling company called WEMTAP Tech Ltd. operates.
The inspection tour was led by the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, and the General Manager of EWMB, Mr. Osadebamen Charles Imariagbe, along with other senior officers of the Board, the Head of the Compliance Department, Acting General Manager (AGM), Mrs. Imade A.B. and the Head of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Osaigie Idiaghe, among others.
Speaking to journalists during the inspection tour, the Commissioner said; “We are here to inspect the recycling facility set up by one of the waste managers, who partnered with the State Government, through the Waste Management Board to establish a company that is into transforming what we call waste into wealth”.
Lawani praised the initiative and attributed its success to other commendable policies that have been launched by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration which have created the enabling environment for businesses to flourish.
He therefore urged both local and foreign investors to take advantage of the business-friendly climate in the State, emphasizing that Edo has become a preferred destination for investment and a hub for industries.
Similarly, he encouraged residents of the State to start earning money from their waste, saying that the plastic cans, bottles, nylons, and other items often labelled as waste can be converted to monetary value.
Also Speaking, the EWMB Boss, Mr. Imariage, lauded the State Government for eliminating the hurdles for investors to establish businesses in the State, saying that it is a rare opportunity for investors.
“I am glad that WEMTAP Tech Ltd. has tapped into such an opportunity to establish this unparalleled recycling plant,” Imariagbe said, and added that the facility has undergone a series of environmental impact assessments and has been deemed safe for recycling activities.
The General Manager also assured residents of plans by the State Government to establish a recycling hub where they will be making income from their waste, which will help create more job opportunities for the people.
The Managing Director of WEMTAP Tech Ltd., Mr. Linus Emoedume, showed the Commissioner and his team around the facility and expressed gratitude to the State Government for the partnership through the Ministry of Environment and the Edo Waste Management Board.
He invited investors to partner with the company and invest in recycling ventures as this will accelerate the conversion of raw waste materials into finished products that will generate economic returns for investors and benefit the State.