The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has urged environmental agencies to promote harnessing plastic waste for wealth creation.

Gombe State Chairman of the association, Deborah Danladi, made the call during an event to commemorate World Environment Day for the North-East zone, held at Nurul Huda International Academy, Gombe, Gombe State.

She also advocated for the establishment of more refuse collection centres by the environmental protection agencies to mitigate plastic pollution.

Danladi also revealed that APWEN would educate school children on recycling plastic waste into useful items like household items, robotics, and toys during the environmental day celebration.

The female engineer further explained that by promoting recycling and proper waste management, the association seeks to address the plastic pollution crisis in Gombe State, North-East and create a cleaner environment for residents.

Earlier, the National President of APWEN, Dr Adebisi Osim, who spoke virtually, emphasised the need to tap into the potential of plastic waste.

According to Osim, the world produces over 430 million tonnes of plastic yearly, with less than 10 per cent being recycled.

ALSO, the Lagos State Government has begun the enforcement of the ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) below 40 microns across the state.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this at a news briefing yesterday in Lagos.

Wahab said any store found storing or selling the SUPs would be sealed, warning everyone to desist from such an act.

“There will be no going back from July 1 on the enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics, which is less than 40 microns in Lagos State.

“The state government has put in place different enforcement strategies to effect this ban. However, these strategies will not be disclosed yet.