The United States Consulate’s Academy has said it is proud to support and encourage sound waste management practices that protect the environment and foster socio-economic inclusion for Nigerians in low-income communities.
A 2019 alumna of the U.S Consulate’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, Jumoke Olowookere, disclosed this while opening the first of its kind waste museum and upcycling training center in Nigeria with support from the United States Africa Development Foundation.
The Waste Museum is expected to provide environmental education and equip women and youth from underserved communities with upcycling skills, a statement from the U.S. Consulate read.
At the opening ceremony of the museum in Ibadan, Olowookere highlighted the importance of finding creative and productive ways to create employment by turning waste into valuable products.
She explained that her overall objective of establishing the Waste Museum is to protect the environment from degradation and support the expansion of sustainable upcycling businesses in Nigeria.
“Environmental risk factors of indiscriminate disposal of waste and the rising pile of garbage in our cities are huge. With the Waste Museum, we are showcasing the value of waste,” Olowookere said.
“We want people to see how waste can be turned into wealth. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that no waste goes into the landfill –– a zero waste future is possible.”
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the museum in Ibadan, U.S. Consulate Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Jennifer Foltz, applauded Olowookere for raising awareness among the youth and encouraging community members to take the lead and be part of the solution to preserving the environment.
She noted that the U.S. government will continue to support efforts aimed at encouraging increased and improved upcycling and recycling in Nigeria.
“Today, we are celebrating the opening of the Waste Museum as it creatively and sustainably addresses two societal challenges —unemployment and waste management.” Foltz said.
“The U.S. Consulate is particularly inspired by the work of our AWE alumna, Jumoke Olowookere. The opening of the Waste Museum further demonstrates the impact U.S. government exchange alumni are making to address challenges in their local communities across Nigeria.”
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs is a U.S. government initiative that supports women entrepreneurs around the world.
Designed to cultivate entrepreneurial know-how, AWE helps women entrepreneurs connect with funding opportunities, enhance opportunities for business expansion, and increase the likelihood of entrepreneurial success.
