• Empowers 97 Oyo Youths

• Safiu Kehinde

An integrated waste recycling and manufacturing firm, Planet 3R, has showcased amazing products made from recycled materials in Ibadan, Oyo state.

The products were made by 97 students empowered by the company through its waste-to-wealth initiative tagged Transform West Africa Project.

They were displayed during the first batch of the initiative’s product demonstration and certification ceremony.

This was diclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade.

According to the statement, the event showcased an exhibition of locally made recycled products crafted by the 97 students who completed a six-week training course on recycling

Speaking at the exhibition, the Oyo Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Arc. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, said the empowerment effort goes beyond mere advocacy for recycling.

Mogbonjubola, who was represented by the Director of Environmental Health Services, Mrs. Bukola Areo, reiterated the Oyo State Government’s commitment to fostering sustainable waste management and environmental conservation.

“Our government is dedicated to implementing policies that promote recycling, waste-to-wealth programmes, and environmental education,” he stated.

The Commissioner acknowledged the vital role of partnerships in achieving meaningful objectives and assured Planet 3R of the government’s intention to collaborate in expanding the reach and impact of its programmes.

On her part, Mrs. Iyabo Ojogbede, the Manager of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Oyo State, expressed the agency’s eagerness to partner with the recycling firm on future projects that align with its mission.

She commended Planet 3R for its efforts in empowering youth and women and pledged ongoing support.

Similarly, Mr. Falana Adebowale, the Chairman of the Oyo State Youth Development Agency, congratulated the participants, indicating the Agency’s anticipation of fruitful partnerships with Planet 3R and other private sector stakeholders to further empower youths in the State.

The Managing Director of Planet 3R Limited, Ms. Adejoke Lasisi, in her remark, shared the company’s aspirations to extend its operations beyond Ibadan.

She emphasized that Planet 3R is committed to fostering a sustainable future where economic development aligns with environmental stewardship.

“Our goal at Planet 3R is to create a future in which sustainability and social impact coexist. By partnering with governmental and international organizations, we’re not only transforming waste into valuable resources but also addressing significant needs for economic empowerment,” she said.

Lasisi urged various sectors of the economy to rise to the challenge of establishing platforms that will drive the recycling sector forward.

The event also featured demonstrations of recycled products created from a variety of materials, including pure water nylons, textiles, denim, and PET bottles, showcasing the innovative potential of waste recycling in Oyo State.