Degradable waste: Soon to become an asset in Oyo State
IITA is looking at how to produce biogas from degradable waste. In line with this, DG Nteranya Sanginga called for a 3-day seminar for the youth biogas team on proposal writing, work plan drafting, and business plan writing. The seminar, which took place 16-18 September aimed to equip the team with the necessary skills for expanding the biogas project.
DG Sanginga, addressing the youths during the seminar.
The biogas team comprises some of the 2019 corps members that served in different units at IITA. Following the call of the DG for creative projects, the team came up with the idea of producing biogas from degradable waste using biotechnology. The DG encouraged the team, led by Gregory Oluwole, to work with Engr Martins Akeredolu, Deputy Head of Facility Management Services (FMS), on the IITA Biogas project, to gain knowledge and expertise.
Under Akeredolu’s tutelage, the youth biogas team was able to produce a portable digester. Akeredolu said that the team is working to increase the quality of their product, such that the quantity of gas produced will be able to serve the Institute’s staff canteen for a start.
After the training on proposal and business writing for fund sourcing, the team went on a tour of a refuse dump site at the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State. This was necessary to help them understand the necessities for expanding the project. The tour exposed the team to other possibilities, introducing more ideas for the project.
An interview with Mr Abiodun Amusan, Manager of the dumpsite, revealed that there are three other major dump sites in Ibadan, with the largest located in Apete. “This dumping site has been here for over 20 years,” he explained.
After the tour and discussion, the team resolved to partner with the Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Environment on waste management. This will help provide enough waste for recycling, not only to produce biogas for household cooking but also biofertilizer for farms and energy for electricity.
The DG had arranged a meeting for the youth with Dr Adebowale Akande, Executive Advisor to the Oyo State Governor on Agribusiness for potential investment. Seeing prospects in the idea, Akande advised the team to prepare an action plan and a pilot project. Akande also mentioned the health, social, and environmental impacts of poorly managed waste in Oyo State, and the adverse impacts on the climate. He also talked about the business aspects, stating how waste can be turned into wealth and serve as a source of employment in the State.
