By Adam Said Adam, Kano
The Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB), in collaboration with the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), and other agencies has launched a program to train and equip 160 young women with skills and tools to convert waste into wealth, boosting income generation and environmental cleanliness across Kano State.
Other partners in the initiative are the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHIMA), PACE Foundation, and ANTHOPHIA Company.
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The launch event was held at the REMASAB headquarters.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative at the REMASAB headquarters, Dr. Muhammad S. Khalil, Managing Director of the agency said the initiative aligns with the core policies of the Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“We have trained 160 women selected from local government areas within the Kano metropolis to become self-reliant while ensuring environmental cleanliness across the state,” Dr. Khalil stated.
“We have also provided them with protective equipment including cover shoes, facemasks, gloves, and other items to ensure they carry out their work safely and hygienically.”
Also speaking, Comrade Salisu Ali Yarima, President of the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), described the program as a major step toward supporting the environment and creating pathways for self-reliance among young women.
“This program will bring significant change to the waste management sector, especially by integrating young women into the system and reducing waste from households and communities,” Comrade Salisu said.
A key highlight of the initiative is the inclusion of health insurance. Dr. Rahilat, Executive Secretary of KSCHIMA, announced that beneficiaries have been enrolled in a scheme that provides access to healthcare facilities near them.
“REMASAB, under the leadership of MD Muhammad S. Khalil, has done remarkably well in designing this program and integrating healthcare into it. This shows genuine concern for the beneficiaries,” Dr. Rahilat noted.
During the launch, the 160 beneficiaries received working tools including waste collection buckets, hand gloves, facemasks, and other personal protective equipment.
Since assuming office, the Managing Director of REMASAB has worked tirelessly, day and night, to ensure environmental sanitation across the state. The training program will be sustained and conducted quarterly, with new sets of women selected from local government areas within the Kano metropolis.
