By Daniel Okeke Kameme
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, Esq., has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to building a sustainable circular economy through strategic partnerships, as he attended the formal presentation of Certificates of Registration to pioneer primary cooperatives under the Anambra State Waste Recyclers Multipurpose Cooperative Society (ASWARCOOP).
The event, held at the Old ITC Park, Onitsha-Owerri Road, was hosted by ASWARCOOP, led by Pastor Ben Agape, and brought together stakeholders in the waste recycling value chain to strengthen collaboration towards sustainable waste management in Anambra State.
Speaking at the event, Pastor Agape explained that ASWARCOOP is committed to resource recovery, recycling, environmental education, community mobilisation, job creation, and the development of environmental champions capable of driving responsible waste management practices at the grassroots. He reaffirmed the Society’s readiness to partner with the Ministry in advancing a coordinated approach to environmental sustainability.
In his address, Dr. Clem Aguiyi commended the leadership of ASWARCOOP for organising themselves into a structured and purpose-driven cooperative, noting that the Society’s track record of practical interventions demonstrates genuine commitment to environmental sustainability. He assured members that the Ministry remains open to collaboration with every individual, organisation and association whose vision aligns with that of the State Government.
The Commissioner described ASWARCOOP as a strategic partner and invited the Society to collaborate with the Ministry on its proposed Model School Waste Collection and Recycling Initiative, designed to introduce waste sorting, recycling education, and environmental consciousness in public schools across the State.He stressed that recycling becomes truly sustainable when environmental responsibility is connected to economic opportunity, noting that waste should be viewed as a valuable resource capable of creating employment, stimulating entrepreneurship, and strengthening the circular economy.
He further reaffirmed that the proposed partnership aligns with the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR’s Fifth Pillar of Development – Environment and Urban Regeneration, which seeks to build a clean, green, resilient, and environmentally sustainable Anambra State.
Following the ceremony, the Commissioner toured several plastic recycling plants within the Onitsha metropolis, where he inspected large volumes of recovered plastic waste alongside finished products including buckets, hangers, containers, and other household items. While expressing satisfaction with the scale of recycling activities and existing processing facilities, he identified inadequate and costly electricity supply as a major constraint to full production capacity.
Dr. Clem Aguiyi assured operators of the State Government’s support in strengthening the sector, noting that improving existing recycling infrastructure would increase production, create employment opportunities, and enhance waste recovery across Anambra State.
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