Climate Change: Wealth Creation, NEDC Trains Women Youths Waste Management, Briquettes

Climate Change, Wealth Creation, NEDC Trains, Women, Youths Waste Management, Briquettes

By Madu Mohammed Maiduguri

In efforts to curb climate change, environmental degredation and create wealth, the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has graduated  about 300 briquettes Linemen  and waste of refuse blenders accross the region.

The training was organized by the NEDCi in Maiduguri lasted for a period of one week  to 3 months.

Speaking during the graduation and presentation of starter parks at the NEDC headquarters, Maiduguri on Monday, the Managing Director of NEDC, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali urged the beneficiaries  to make proper use of the starter packs .

Alkali cautioned them not to sell the machines, stressing that the commission will continue to monitor and evaluatie them to ensure effective and efficient utilization and maintenance.

The programme which is expected take place across the six states of the North East region was targeted at reducing the effects of unemployment, create wealth and curb climate change among women and youths who were worst hit by the Boko Haram conflict.

Briquettes was introduced by the commission as an alternative means of fuel to curb defirestarstion and cushion the scarcity and hardship associated with petroleum products and automobile among others.

He said that the commission engaged approved the local manufacturers or inventor of the machines to ensure proper and good maintenances of the machines to encourage local context and the training exercise is scheduled to extended to other states of the North East .

He further said the commission is committed to empowering the youths  with  practical skills and resources to enable them become  self-reliant.

“The distribution of these machines marks a crucial milestone in the NEDC’s ongoing efforts to empower youth , and women and foster sustainable energy solutions in the North East.. iinvesting in practical skills and green technology, the commission is not only addressing unemployment but also contributing to long-term energy security and environmental conservation,” Alkali said.

The beneficiaries of this initiative recently underwent comprehensive training in briquette production, courtesy of the NEDC. With the provision of these machines, they now have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, potentially turning their skills into sustainable livelihoods.

Earlier, the Consultant, of the programme,  Dr. Zanna Kellube explained the processes, criteria, modulations and procedure’s of engaging the youths through a span time table and framework aimed at empowering the large size of unemployed youths.

She said that there are a total of about 300  beneficiaries drawn from Borno State  so far at the initial stage are benefiting while they hope to extend it o other states of Yobe,  Bauchi,  Gombe, Taraba and Adamawa.

The Consultant said the Briquette Making Machines are designed to convert waste biomass into high-quality briquettes, providing a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

She emphasized that this will also promote the use of renewable energy sources, adding that the initiative aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat environmental degradation.

“Beyond environmental benefits, the project also holds significant economic potential. The availability of locally produced briquettes could create new markets, reduce reliance on expensive and polluting fuels, and encourage entrepreneurship among trainees,” Zanna add