Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Chief Mrs Tosin Aluko, has announced the collaboration and transfer of technological skills between Lagos and Ekiti State Governments in the production of local dino waste bins to ensure a cleaner environment.
The commissioner who said that the state had entered into agreement with the Lagos State Government explained that local artisans, craftsmen and students of tertiary institutions studying relevant courses are currently undergoing training on dino waste bins production.
Chief Mrs Aluko, during an inspection of the manufacturing site situated on Bank Road, Ado Ekiti, elucidated that the collaboration with Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is aimed at knowledge transfer. She emphasized that the initiative is geared towards training Ekiti-based welders, artisans, and students in technology and vocational courses on waste container production.
“Some welders in Ekiti are here with engineers from Lagos, learning how to fabricate the Dino bins. There’s nothing wrong with borrowing ideas to enhance development and improve the lives of our people in Ekiti,” Commissioner Aluko affirmed.
Highlighting Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to local content initiatives, Chief Aluko-Ajisafe clarified that Ekiti entered into a diplomatic relation with Lagos to draw inspiration from their successful local production of waste bins, stressing that the ultimate goal is for Ekiti artisans to take over subsequent productions independently.
Governor Oyebanji’s passion for local content initiatives was echoed by the Director General of Ekiti State Waste Management Authority, Mr Olasunkanmi Onipede who also shared the same explanation with the commissioner noting that the initiative is a direct investment by the Ekiti state government in collaboration with Lagos, aiming to transfer knowledge to Ekiti youth and students.
Mr Onipede outlined the educational aspect of the initiative, stating that the methods are being taught to students of various institutions in Ekiti, making them self-reliant after graduation. He also emphasized the positive impact on the environment, anticipating a reduction in waste heaps on road medians.
“The methods were taught to the students of the Ekiti state University, Federal University of Oye, Ekiti STte Polytechnic Isan Ekiti and the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti to make them self –reliant after school if they decide to go into the venture. The local content act is very much embedded in what we are doing and the purpose of this is to ensure its implementation”
Director General of the Bureau of Local Content, Hon. Olalekan Ijidale, assured that the production aligns with Governor Oyebanji’s local content policy, emphasizing collaboration and synergy with development partners for socio-economic progress.
Local artisans involved in the project expressed their satisfaction.
An Ekiti welder, Mr Adekunle Jayeola, acknowledged the valuable experience gained during the learning process. LAWMA’s team lead, Engineer Bakare Afeez, praised the cordial relationship between the Lagos and Ekiti teams, and highlighted the technicalities involved in the fabrication process.
“This work is not just about welding, a lot of technicalities are involved which comes from the design stage. Artisans it technicians don’t design. It is the engineer who designs and in the fabrication process, you need welders, fabricators and craft men which are what we are doing here.
With 20 dino bins currently under construction, the initiative is expected to boost Ekiti’s economy, promote skill development, and contribute to a cleaner environment. The Commissioner urged Ekiti residents to support the government’s efforts, ensuring the realization of the shared prosperity mandate.