Waste-to-wealth programme will improve power generation – Shehuri

By Francis Adinoyi Kadiri
Abuja

The Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri has disclosed that the Waste to Wealth programme can greatly improve power supply in the country, urging for more research to be carried out on how best this can be utilized. He made this known, in his office, when he played host to the Vice Chancellor and members of the Governing Council of the University of Maiduguri.

A statement from the ministry which was signed by the Assistant Director of Information, M. A. Ahmed said Shehuri stated that the Waste to Wealth Programme, if properly initiated across the country, will address environmental issues, balance the energy mix, as well as boost economic activities  of the people through the eradication of waste dump sites and landfills that usually pollute the air and water, especially in low-income and high density populated areas, where waste generation is traditionally high and improve power supply.
The Minister called on the University and other academic institutions in the country to guide students through training, research and practical demonstrations on how recycling, composing and zero waste initiatives can improve power generation thereby  reducing the need for disposal facilities and, most importantly  enhance economic activities.

Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Professor Ibrahim Njodi said the purpose of his visit is to inform the Minister about the forthcoming 22nd Convocation and  40th Anniversary ceremonies scheduled for the 11th -16th April, 2016. Prof. Njodi added that the University has not had any convocation ceremony since 2010 due to the insurgency being faced by the State, in particular and the North East Region, in general.
The Vice Chancellor hinted that this year’s ceremony will showcase the university’s developmental strides in both human capital and infrastructure despite the prevailing security challenges.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar Magaji, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Central Administration), the Registrar, Management Staff of the University and some Management Staff of the Ministry.