Convert Waste To Wealth, Ibas Tasks Nwanosike

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has tasked the new Sole Administrator of Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, to be creative about converting waste to wealth.
Ibas who was addressing the Board of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) during their inauguration at Government House, Port Harcourt was unequivocal, stating that sanitation is an issue of public safety, not mere aesthetics. He called on the board to lead a comprehensive and disciplined approach to waste management.
“The task before this board is urgent and enormous. You must lead the charge to rid our cities and communities of filth,” he said. “This is not just about clearing waste. It is about instituting a system of efficiency, sustainability, and discipline.”
He revealed that the government has already procured modern equipment for waste collection and landfill management and is constructing access roads to dump sites to improve operational efficiency.
He challenged the board to explore innovative ways to convert waste into valuable assets such as energy and industrial raw materials, stating, “Around the world, waste is being transformed into power and products. Our state cannot be left behind.” He also called for strict enforcement of sanitation laws and greater public awareness.
At his inaugural press briefing on Friday, Nwanosike declared that the monthly environmental sanitation scheme, which was abolished many years ago has been revived.
He said those who desired to be exempted from it because they might be on essential duties should get exemption from his office. A Nigerian court had annulled the monthly sanitation programme, which was introduced in 1984 by the military government of Muhammadu Buhari, because it ran contrary to the Nigerian constitution, which guaranteed the freedom of movement for people in Nigeria. The sanitation scheme restricted the movement of people and vehicles during the three hours of the programme from 7am to 10am every last Saturday of the month.