AS part of the activities to mark International Women’s Day, Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC organized a 2-day skills acquisition training for women: “waste to wealth”.
The training was aimed at imparting skills to women on how they can convert waste products to wealth and earn a livelihood from it. The
participants are working for Okomu or have husbands are working for the company. This unique training in Nigeria addresses two major challenges: preserving the environment through waste recycling; and improving women’s living standards through value creation. Collecting the waste will also lead to waste minimization and will create an alternative source of income for participants. Okomu has always been committed to the improvement of rural livelihoods by setting up key initiatives to address social -economic and environmental
challenges that the region faces. It is key for the company to drive its activities in a way, and with an approach, that benefits all its employees and families, communities, and all its stakeholders while preserving the environment.
The training, was given by an international expert, Dr. Isabelle Chevalley who holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry who also serves as a Board member in Okomu.
Dr Chevalley demonstrated how old newspapers can be converted into bangles, and neck chains whilst empty nylon sachet water was used to produce handbags. Black nylon (cellophane) bags were used to create female handbags, empty plastic bottled water cases were used to build beds, chairs, and a living house. Many other products were produced from different types of waste.
The Edo State Ministry of Commerce and Industry sent two officials to observe the training. They congratulated the company for bringing such a good initiative to the woman.
Dr. Chevalley showed participants items obtained from waste materials.
Dr. Chevalley displayed the handbag she made from sachet water nylon.
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