TheCable

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Digital Peers International (DPI) has launched the global environment facilities (GEF) small grants programme (SGP) to encourage young Nigerians to utilise technology-based plastic management solutions. 

The two-day programme themed “deploying the power of IT-engaged youths in effective plastic use and waste management”, kicked off on Wednesday in Abuja.

The SGP seeks to educate and enlighten youths on harnessing the opportunities of technology-based solutions in plastic waste management.

Ibukun Odusote, the chief executive officer of DPI, said tons of plastic waste dumped into the oceans have exposed humans to numerous health risks.

Odusote said the participants of the programme would be equipped with the knowledge to provide unique and effective solutions to manage plastic consumption and tackle plastic pollution. 

“Plastic is also piling up in landfills and entering our food chain. Microplastics have now been found in human blood, raising our risk of cancer and developmental disorders. We are poisoning ourselves and the planet,” she said.

Ronke Olubamise, a representative of the GEF, described the body as the largest funding organisation for environmental-related projects in the world. 

Olubamise also commended DPI for the initiative that encourages the discovery of outstanding environmentalists. 

She urged the participants to be creative with their ideas, as the solutions reached through the programme would also be recreated at the national level.