Edo State Government has called on stakeholders in the State and Diaspora to invest in Secular Economy that will boost the lives and economy of citizens in the state.

Hon. Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Engr. Jonathan Lawani made the call during a tour of WEMTAP Dumpsite and Recycling Plant in Benin City.

Engr. Lawani said that, the Edo State Government in collaboration with WEMTAP have set up this plant to recycle waste that is been generated from the dumpsite.

In his words: “there are lots of opportunities in waste, residents should not just throw away their plastic cans because you can get value from your waste by selling your waste and making money for yourself’’.

The Commissioner explained that waste like plastic bottles, nylon bags, bottles and other type of waste are wealth in disguise that need to be tapped into.

He urged citizens in the State and Diaspora to key into Governor Godwin Obaseki’s mandate of turning waste to wealth, adding that it is an opportunity that will create livelihood for even the common man.

He appealed to residents to ensure their environment is clean and their waste properly package for easy evacuation by an accredited Waste Manager to the approved dumpsites.

The Commissioner announced that the State Government is putting plans in place to establish Waste Management Board Offices in Edo Central and North and to also create a recycling plant that will help ensure the Local Government Areas are kept clean.

General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board,  Mr. Charles imarhiage who accompanied the  Commissioner on the tour said the recycling plant has undergone series of environmental impact assessments   and the environment  have been found safe and friendly for recycling.

Mr. imarhiagbe added that the government will be opening a recycling bank where residents can bring their recyclable materials and get paid for it.

On his part, the Managing  Director of WEMTAP, Mr.  Linus Emoedume appreciated the State Government for creating an enabling environment for the plant and called on investors to invest in the recycling so that other companies can make use of the raw materials generated instead of going to other states to buy finished products.